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Report 



OF THE 



Alabama Council 
Defense 




COVERING ITS ACTIVITIES FROM 
MAY 17, 1917. TO DECEMBER 31. 1918 



Montg-omery, Ala. 

The Brown Printing Company, 

Printers and Binders, 

1919. 



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Report 



OF THE 



Alabama Council 



OF 



Defense 




COVERING ITS ACTIVITIES FROM 
MAY 17. 1917. TO DECEMBER 31, 1918 



Montgomery, Ala. 

The Brown Printing Company, 

Printers and Binders, 

1919. 









JAH 22 



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ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 

Montgomery, Ala., January 1, 1919, 

To Governor Charles Henderson, 

Montgomery, Alabama. 
My Dear Governor : 

I have the honor to present to you the report of the 
State Council of Defense covering the period of my serv- 
ice. I have sought to make a concise report and have 
omitted a number of apparently unimportant activities, 
yet their execution has entailed wide correspondence and 
personal visits on the part of our field secretaries. 

May I pay tribute to the untiring and continuing labors 
of the county and community councils of defense? With- 
out their enthusiastic and productive assistance our work 
would have proven unavailing. 
With much respect, I am. 

Very sincerely, 

Lloyd M. Hooper, Chairman, 
Alabama State Council of Defense. 



PROCLAMATION CREATING COUNCIL OF 
DEFENSE 



A Proclamation by the Governor: 

We are in the midst of war. We must mobilize our 
forces and centralize our efforts for the fuller develop- 
ment of the resources of the State, particularly those 
from which are derived the supplies of food and other 
commodities upon which the conduct of the war makes a 
special drain. We should consider measures for the pro- 
tection of the public health, for the care and assistance 
of individuals and classes upon whom adversity bears 
most heavily. We should study plans for the elimination 
of waste and extravagance and consider what measures 
should be taken more efficiently to meet any exigencies 
that may arise. We should develop ways in which the 
surplus labor of any section can be temporarily shifted 
to meet the needs of other sections in times when the 
demands of the harvest exceed the local supply, thereby 
providing steady employment to labor and stimulating 
our productive capacity. Our chief need is preparedness. 
It is a preparedness that must be based on organization 
and not a superficial conception of wants. 

With this purpose in view, I deem it advisable that a 
State-wide committee should be formed and that each 
county in the State should have a county committee ex- 
tending into each precinct by which a channel shall be 
formed through which information or orders may be 
quickly disseminated and the resources of the State of 
whatever character may be handled to the best advantage 
and our products distributed with the least expense. 

In furtherance of the above idea and to give activity to 
the same, I have designated and appointed certain citizens 



6 ALABAMA COINCIL OF DEFENSE 

as a committee to be known as the State Council of 
Defense of Alabama. The Council of Defense for various 
counties will be published as the organizations are com- 
pleted. 

The benefits derived from these organizations will be 
in proportion to the unselfish devotion which the differ- 
ent members contribute to the public welfare and to the 
assistance and co-operation given to them by the public 
at large. 

I call upon all citizens, more especially State, county 
and municipal officials, to assist the State and County 
Councils of Defense in carrying forward the work for 
which they have been organized and appointed. Those 
who may be exempt from military service should assume 
and take upon themselves greater responsibilities than 
those doing duty in the trenches. 

Believing that the highest interest of the State de- 
mands that volunteers should be enlisted in behalf of the 
public welfare, I, as Governor of Alabama, have caused 
this proclamation to be issued with the Great Seal of the 
State attached thereto on this the seventeenth day of 
May in the year of Our Lord, 1917. 

Charles Henderson, Governor. 
By the Governor : 
John Purifoy, 

Secretary of State, 



REPORT OF ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 
From May 17, 1917, to December 31, 1918. 



To His Excellency, 

The Governor of Alabama: 

By executive proclamation the Alabama Council of 
Defense was created May 17, 1917, and the organization 
meeting was held in the Senate Chamber June 1, 1917. 
Richard M. Hobbie was made chairman of the executive 
committee and charged with the duty of supervising the 
work of the council. W. E. Henderson, secretary to the 
governor, was named executive secretary of the Council. 

Mr. Hobbie tendered his resignation and accepted the 
position of Federal Food Administrator for Alabama at 
the request of the United States Food Administration. 
Mr. Lloyd M. Hooper, of Selma, who was made a member 
of the executive committee in the original organization, 
was elevated to the chairmanship by the governor. 

The work of the Council of Defense was carried on in 
the executive department until January 1, 1918, when it 
vi^as transferred to Selma. Mr. Henderson retired from 
the secretaryship when he resigned as secretary to the 
governor. 

Because the Alabama Legislature had not been in ses- 
sion since the United States recognized a state of war 
with the Central Powers no public funds were available 
for the work of the Council. The federal government 
made no appropriation, believing that the citizens of the 
various states should bear the expense of preparing the 
states for their duties in the war. 

For some time the work of the Council of Defense could 
not be carried on with maximum results. Patriotic citi- 
zens of the State, especially of Birmingham and Mobile, 



8 ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 

raised a fund of approximately $17,500 and guaranteed 
sufficient additional funds for the carrying on of all work 
assigned to the council by the federal government or 
initiated by it in furthering the organization of the State 
for war. It had been agreed that patriotic citizens would 
continue to finance the Council until the convening of the 
Legislature in January, 1919, when an appropriation 
would be asked for the carrying on of the work. Thanks 
to the signing of the armistice and the ending of the war, 
this appropriation probably will not be needed. 

With the assurance of funds for the great duties dele- 
gated to the Council by the Government, the central head- 
quarters of the State Council were moved from Selma to 
Montgomery and established in the Senate Chamber of 
the Capitol April 1, 1918. Chairman Hooper from that 
moment divided his time between his interests in Selma 
and the office of the Council. Dr. George Lang, president 
of the Presbyterian College of Anniston, surrendered his 
position to become executive secretary of the Council as 
the successor of Mr. Henderson. 

From the date of the declaration of war the Govern- 
ment depended upon the Councils of Defense to organize 
their states for war, to co-ordinate all war activities in 
order that overlapping might be stopped and to carry on 
the war work of their states at a minimum expense to the 
nation and the States. 

Alabama had been meeting every demand of the nation 
up to the time the Council work was organized but there 
was no complete understanding of the duties delegated to 
each activity. Overlapping could be found on every hand. 
The Council of Defense began its work by attempting to 
stop the duplication of effort. 

It was soon seen that a system whereby each federal 
agency or activity might know what others were doing 
was absolutely necessary. The executive committee up 



ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 9 

to this time was composed of Governor Henderson, Chair- 
man Hooper, L. M. Bashinsky of Troy, Albert P. Bush of 
Mobile, Ray Rushton of Montgomery, Oscar Wells of 
Birmingham and J. F. Duggar of Auburn. It was en- 
larged so as to include a representative of each federal 
agency or activity doing war work and from that time the 
executive committee was composed of the following citi- 
zens : 

Governor Henderson, Chairman Hooper, L. M. Bashin- 
sky, Albert P. Bush, T. J. Crittenden of Birmingham, Di- 
rector of Alabama Four-Minute Men; J. F. Duggar of 
Auburn, Director of Farm Extension Service ; Richard M. 
Hobbie of Montgomery, Federal Food Administrator for 
Alabama; Mrs. James F. Hooper of Selma, Chairman of 
Woman's Committee, Council of National Defense ; Craw- 
ford Johnson of Birmingham, State Director of War Sav- 
ings Committee; Samuel P. Kennedy of Anniston, State 
Fuel Administrator; W. J. Leppert of New Orleans, Di- 
rector of Development, designated representative of 
American Red Cross ; Ray Rushton of Montgomery, State 
Director of United States Public Service Reserve ; George 
B. Tarrant of Birmingham, State Director of United 
States Employment Service ; Dr. C. C. Thach of Auburn, 
Representative of Agricultural and Mechanical Colleges ; 
Walter D. Wellborn of Montgomery, designated Repre- 
sentative of Liberty Loan Campaign Committee, and Os- 
car Wells of Birmingham. 

With the new executive committee representing all 
activities, the work of the Council began anew and from 
that moment the duplication of effort was reduced to a 
mxinimum. This plan was found to be so effective, the 
executive committee in a general letter to County Councils 
of Defense dated July 23, 1918, adopted the plan for the 
organization of County Councils. Field workers were 
employed and an intensive State campaign was started 
for the organization of county councils under the new 



10 ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 

plan. Representatives went into every county and reor- 
ganized the council by making the head of each federal 
activity in the county a member of the council. The field 
workers who did this organization work were Dr. Lang, 
Walter D, Wellborn, W. O. Phillips, Bernard Lobman, 
Frank Stollenwerck and Fred H. Gormley. 

In this connection it must be said that Alabama claims 
the ci'edit of being the first State in the Union to organize 
its Council on the basis of full representation for all fed- 
eral agencies. The Council of National Defense, Wash- 
ington, in a general letter to all State Councils of Defense 
under date of September 10, 1918, commended to them the 
"Alabama Plan," as a model for the co-ordination and 
unification of war work. Enclosed with this letter was a 
copy of the general letter to War Workers of Alabama 
issued by the Executive Committee asking for the co-ordi- 
nation of war work and a copy of the "Memoranda for 
the Organization of County Councils," which was used 
in reorganizing county councils under the "Alabama 
Plan." 

The general letter of the Council of National Defense 
to all State Councils of Defense regarding the Alabama 
plan and signed by Arthur H. Fleming, Chief of the State 
Councils Section, follows : 

To the Several State Councils of Defense: 

"We commend to your careful attention the Alabama 
plan, herewith enclosed, for organization of county and 
community councils of defense. You will note that it 
contemplates county councils consisting of all county rep- 
resentatives of government war work — one for each 
agency — and no other members. Such a plan establishes 
an administrative body capable of handling every war 
measure without conference with any outside organiza- 
tion and of employing immediately for its execution the 
community council or other agency best fitted to under- 



ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 11 

take the work. It is a perfect example of co-ordination 
wholly excluding duplication of effort and overlapping of 
functions. 

"This plan had the sanction of all federal agencies in 
the State. It was signed by all the federal representatives 
in the State and published for distribution to the local 
councils and local representatives of the federal agencies 
with the fac-simile signature of the chairman of the State 
Council and the heads of all federal organizations. A 
copy is enclosed. 

"The work of organizing these County Councils of De- 
fense, which bring together all the war workers of the 
State, has been delegated to eight field men who travel 
from county to county, distributing the pamphlet enclosed 
and organizing the council by personal contact. The 
chairman of the former county council becomes ex-officio 
chairman of the new county council. The council itself 
elects a vice-chairman and a secretary-treasurer. Where- 
ever possible a paid executive secretary is selected from 
outside the membership of the council. The work of the 
council is conducted by such committees as are deemed 
necessary. 

"We wish to call to your special attention the relation 
of the Alabama Division of the Woman's Committee of 
the Council of National Defense to this organization plan. 
The Chairman of the Alabama Division of the Woman's 
Committee is a member of the State Council Executive 
Committee, and similarly, the county chairman is a mem- 
ber of the county council of defense. 

"This union of workers has made it possible to carry 
forward the organization of community councils as a joint 
enterprise, in which no distinction is made in the civilian 
war service of men and women. 

"We merely cite this to you as an illustration of excel- 
lent co-ordination effected by a State Council of "Defense." 



12 ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 

Before the end of September all counties of Alabama 
had been reorganized and placed on an intensive working 
basis. Reflection will show the great amount of work 
carried on before the plan of organization had been put 
into effect in all counties. It was necessary for a field 
worker to visit every county and to hold a conference with 
•all heads of war w^ork. In addition, a vast amount of cor- 
respondence was necessary. 

Few changes were made in the headquarters office of 
the State Council from the time it was created until the 
end of the war. Dr. Lang resigned as executive secretary 
to accept the chair of Philosophy at the University of 
Alabama. He was succeeded by Fred H. Gormley, who 
had served as director of public information and field sec- 
retary. Bernard Lobman, field secretary, resigned to 
enter the army. 

When the reorganization of county councils was prac- 
tically completed, an urgent request was made by the 
Council of National Defense for the organization of com- 
munity councils of defense in all distinct community cen- 
ters, thus completing the original plan for organization 
and providing a means whereby the government might 
touch the heart of the nation on a few hours' notice. 
President Wilson backed this request with the statement 
that it was needed so every person in the nation might 
know what his government was doing and what was his 
duty in the nation's campaign against Teutonic aggres- 
sion. 

Charles E. Allen, native Alabamian, surrendered his 
position in Austin College, Sherman, Texas, and returned 
to Alabama to become Director of Development, a position 
he held until the end of the war. William P. Cobb, of 
Tuskegee, Secretary-of-State-elect, and Mrs. G. H. Mathis 
of Gadsden, well-known woman farmer and lecturer, were 
appointed field secretaries. These three, with Mr. Stollen- 
werck, were charged with the duty of assisting county 



ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 13 

councils in the organization of community councils and 
when the armistice was signed this work had been prac- 
tically completed. It must be said to the credit of the 
county councils that many completed the organization of 
community councils without the assistance of field work- 
ers. State-wide investigations showed that no county had 
failed to respond to any call made by the government. It 
seems the county councils made it a rule always to in- 
crease the standard of service established by the State 
Council or the government. 

AIDED ALL WAR ACTIVITIES. 

From the time the State and county councils were 
established on the proper working basis they were active 
in all war work. It was their policy from the beginning 
to assist every movement intended to increase the ef- 
ficiency of the State in war work. Assistance was given 
to the Liberty Loan Committee, Y. M. C. A., Red Cross 
and other war relief organizations, United War Work 
Campaign Committee and all other organizations which 
needed assistance. 

PROMULGATION OF GOVERNMENT POLICIES. 

The Alabama Council of Defense was charged with the 
duty of placing before the citizens of Alabama all policies 
of the government which were not given through other 
distinct organizations. In other words, it was a clearing 
house for war activities. If there was no agency charged 
with the performance of a specific duty, this duty was 
delegated to the Council of Defense. In this way the 
Council was in constant communication with the coun- 
ties. Copies of all bulletins issued in Washington which 
demanded the attention of the county councils of defense 
were mimeographed and distributed among the county 
councils. 



J4 ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 

DETECTION OF DESERTERS. 

One of the first acts of the reorganized State Council 
was to make plans for the assistance of the War Depart- 
ment in the detection of deserters. After correspondence 
with Alabama officers stationed at Camp Wheeler, it was 
found that several score Alabama soldiers were marked 
in desertion or absent without leave and subject to severe 
punishment. Here it must be said that this State did not 
establish an unusual record for desertion. It is always 
true that some men will leave their commands when mil- 
lions of men are brought together in an army. Alabama's 
number was no greater than other states. 

The Alabama Council of Defense obtained the names of 
Alabama men who had left their commands and carried 
on a quiet hunt for them through the medium of county 
councils of defense. It was found that in a great major- 
ity of instances the men did not realize they were guilty 
of a severe military crime and readily consented to re- 
turn to camp when informed that they could be pun- 
ished. Many deserters had left their commands and re- 
turned to their old employment, being found in the fields 
and factories. In cases where men were considered wil- 
ful deserters, their names were reported to the proper 
authorities for punishment. 

In this campaign, also, the Alabama Council of Defense 
claims credit for being a pioneer. The plan was sub- 
mitted to Washington and months after Alabama had 
carried on the work an order was promulgated requiring 
all army commands in the United States to report to the 
State Councils of Defense the names of persons absent 
in desertion and absent without leave. In this way the 
entire Council of Defense system was made available for 
these investigations. 

Under date of November 14, 1918, the Council of Na- 
tional. Defense wrote the following statement regarding 
the Alabama plan for the detection of deserters : 



ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 15 

"Alabama was the State whose excellent work suggest- 
ed our bulletin making the plan national." 

STATE SPEAKERS' BUREAU. 

From the moment the Council of Defense was reor- 
ganized Mr. Frank Stollenwerck was in charge of the 
speaking activities of the Council. He organized a State 
Speakers' Bureau and obtained the services of prominent 
men throughout the State, who made themselves available 
for public meetings at any time. More than 125 persons 
accustomed to public speaking were on the roll of the 
Speakers' Bureau. 

It has been the boast of this bureau that speakers were 
provided for public celebrations in every county of Ala- 
bama July 4, 1918. Among those who delivered addresses 
for the speakers' bureau that day were Supreme Court 
judges, State officials, lawyers, doctors, educators, public 
men and private citizens. 

The Speakers' Bureau has been used by various organi- 
zations in patriotic campaigns throughout the State. It 
has been especially active in Liberty Loan, Red Cross and 
other similar campaigns. 

LIVE STOCK CONSERVATION CAMPAIGN. 

When the government took over the railroads for war 
purposes it was found that an enormous amount of food 
supplies was lost annually by the killing of live stock on 
railroad tracks. The greatest percentage of this loss was 
in the Southern States where railroad rights-of-way were 
not fenced and no stock laws had been enacted. 

The United States Food Administration requested State 
Councils of the Southern States to make a campaign for 
the conservation of food supplies by the keeping of live 
stock off railroad tracks. Investigations made by the 
Alabama Council showed that 12,500 live stock were 



16 ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 

killed on railroad tracks in this State each year, causing 
a monetary loss of more than $250,000, a loss in meat of 
more than 2,COO,000 pounds and a loss in leather of more 
than 200,000 pounds. 

Names and addresses of all persons who had filed 
claims for live stock killed during 1917 and 1918 were 
obtained and letters were written to them urging their as- 
sistance in the reduction of the loss. This involved a great 
amount of detail work and necessitated the employment 
of additional clerical assistance. More than fifteen thou- 
sand persons filed claims during the two years. When it 
is realized that one or more letters were mailed to each 
person it is understood how great was the work involved. 

Generous responses were received to this appeal and a, 
great majority informed the State Council that they would 
assist in the conservation program by attempting to keep 
their live stock off railroad tracks and to encourage their 
neighbors to do likewise. 

It must be said that many claimants complained about 
the failure of railroads to fence their tracks and to main- 
tain adequate cattle guards. These complaints and sug- 
gestions will be submitted to the proper officials of the 
government and railroads. 

ILLITERACY CAMPAIGN. 

When America entered the war Alabama realized as 
never before the handicaps of its citizens who could not 
read and write. Illiterate ones called into military service 
were all but valueless. A person who could not read and 
write was unable to use the sight on his rifle because the 
range is obtained by figures and one who could not read 
could not fire accurately. 

Alabama had an organization which had been attempt- 
ing to eradicate illiteracy from the State. Attention 
was turned completely to illiterate men of military age 



ALABAMA COU^'CIL OF DEFENSE 17 

when the war began. The Alabama Council of Defense 
made an appropriation of fifteen hundred dollars for an 
intensive campaign against illiteracy and promised more 
funds if they were needed. 

The Council worked in complete harmony with the State 
Illiteracy Commission, which had been created by the 
Legislature in 1915. The following persons were named 
members of the Council's committee for the intensive 
campaign : 

William D. Jelks, of Birmingham, Chairman; Spright 
Dowell, Superintendent of Education of Alabama; J. B. 
Ellis, of Selma ; C. W. Daugette of Jacksonville, President 
of Jacksonville Normal School ; A. F. Harman, of Selma, 
Superintendent of Selma City Schools. 

Full assistance was rendered by the educational forces 
throughout the State and it would be unfair to say that 
credit for the fine results should go to any one person. 
However, it must be mentioned that Mr. Harman left 
Selma for the summer months of 1918 and established 
headquarters with the State Council, from which place 
he directed the work in the State. All recognition must 
go to the loyal persons connected with the State's educa- 
tional system who were willing to work day and night 
in order that the State's fighting forces might be properly 
prepared for the important duties before them. 

The result of the campaign can only be cause for pride 
to every person connected with it. Investigations devel- 
oped the names of 7,651 men of military age who could 
neither read nor write. When the campaign closed 3,563 
or 46.5 per cent had been taught to read and write. Schools 
for illiterate selective service men were opened in forty 
counties. In many others arrangements were made to 
teach them in the schools and at home. 

This record is so interesting it is given below in full : 



18 



ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 



REPORTS ON ILLITERATE WORK AMONG DRAFTMEN 
MARCH 1 TO OCTOBER 1, 1918. 



No. illiterates 

21 to 31 as 

reported hy 

count II manager 

Barbour 104 

Bibb 

Bullock - 34 

Butler .". 198 

Calbouu 315 

Chambers : 175 

Cherokee 180 

Clarke 120 

Clay 119 

Cleburne 100 

Coffee 400 

Colbert 150 

Conecuh ...- 82 

Coosa - 47 

Covington 384 

Crenshaw 172 

Cullman 235 

Dale 59 

DeKalb 200 

Etowah 400 

Fayette 170 

Franklin .-. 

Geneva 100 

Hale 69 

Henry 473 

Houston 250 

Jackson 560 

Jefferson 225 

Lamar 60 

Lauderdale 200 

Lee 235 

Limestone 276 

Madison 

Marion 222 

Marshall 



No. illiterates 

tauf/ht Percentage 



)1 to 31 


taught 


70 


67.3 


6 




10 


29.4 


!M> 


45.4 


75 


23.8 


102 


58 


140 


77.7 


106 


89 


30 


30 


69 


17.4 


100 


06.6 


72 


87.8 


15 


31.9 


106 


27.6 


135 


78.4 


192 


81.7 


47 


79.6 


26 


13 


153 


38 


40 




25 


25 


10 




431 


89 


150 


60 


160 


28.5 


108 


48 


30 


50 


133 


66.6 


100 


42.5 


115 




103 





ALABAMA COrXCIL OF DEFENSE 



19 



REPORTS ON ILLITERATE WORK AMONG DRAFTMEN 
MARCH 1 TO OCTOBER 1, 1918— Continued. 

No. illiterates 
21 to 31 as No. illiterates 



Mobile 

Montgomery 

Morgan 

Pickeus 

Pike 

Randolph 

Russell 

Shelby 

St. Clair 

Tuscaloosa . 

Walker 

Washington 
Wikox 



re ported hu 


taught 


Percentage 


coxmty manager 


21 to 31 


taught 


128 


89 
10 


32 


260 


160 


61.5 


130 






105 


78 


74.2 


66 


29 
10 
15 


43.9 


106 


101 


or. 


210 


75 




300 


40 
27 


13.3 


31 







Total. 



7,651 



3,563 



46% 



Records of the work among negro draftmen are not 
complete and it is impossible to give the result. However, 
it is known that much work was done among the negro 
selectmen and it had been planned to extend, the cam- 
paign among them. 

A report of Mr. Harman bearing date of August 7, 
1918, gives a more complete report of the campaign than 
could be given otherwise. It follows : 

"Replying to your inquiry concerning the work of the 
Committee on Illiterate Men of Draft Age, I beg to submit 
the following report : 

"You will recall that this committee consists of the fol- 
lowing : 

"Hon. William D. Jelks, Birmingham, Chairman. 

"Hon. Spright Dowell, Superintendent of Education of 
Alabama. 



20 ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 

"Hon. J. B. Ellis, Selma, Alabama. 

"President C. W. Daugette, State Normal School, Jack- 
sonville. 

"Mr. A. F. Harman, Superintendent of Public Schools, 
Selma. 

"This committee was raised primarily for the purpose 
of removing illiteracy among v^^hite men of draft age in 
the State of Alabama. On July first of this year conserva- 
tively estimated there were at least five thousand white 
men of draft age in the State who were illiterate. The 
number of illiterate men in the several counties ranges 
from none to four hundred or even more. 

"While the original purpose of the committee was to 
deal with this problem among white men, we have found 
an unusual and unexpected interest in many counties in 
the welfare of negro registrants. Recognizing this inter- 
est, the committee is encouraging and aiding work among 
the negroes. Several counties, including Jefferson and 
Montgomery, have good organizations for work with the 
colored registrants. 

"In this work the committee has the hearty co-opera- 
tion of the Alabama Federation of Women's Clubs, the 
Advisory War Council of the Alabama Educational Asso- 
ciation, and the Alabama Illiteracy Commission. The 
Federation of Women's Clubs has turned over to the Ala- 
bama Illiteracy Commission the sum of four thousand 
dollars, which the commission is expending in this cam- 
paign in co-operating with us. The commission has pre- 
pared and distributed free of charge eight thousand copies 
of the War Edition of the Text Book for Alabama Adult 
Schools. It is now revising the Text Book for Alabama 
Adult Schools and will shortly issue ten thousand addi- 
tional copies for free distribution. The commission has 
also kept its agent, Mr. H. G. Dowling, constantly in the 
field for the purpose of supplementing the work of our 



ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 21 

regional organizers and giving encouragement to county 
organizations throughout the State. 

"Through the assistance of the Alabama Educational 
Association's Advisory War Council, we were able to se- 
cure the following volunteers for regional organizers. The 
necessary expenses of these organizers have been paid, but 
none of them has received compensation for the work 
done : 

"Mr. S. R. Butler, Superintendent of Education of 
Madison County, Huntsville. 

"Professor J. T. McKee, State Normal School, Florence. 

"President C. W. Daugette, State Normal School, Jack- 
sonville. 

"President E. M. Shackelford, State Normal School, 
Troy. 

"President G. W. Brock, State Normal School, Liv- 
ingston. 

"Superintendent S. O. White, Public Schools, Opelika. 

"Superintendent W. R. Harrison, Public Schools, Mont- 
gomery. 

"President Raleigh W. Greene, State Normal School, 
Moundville. 

"Professor C. R. Calkins, Alabama Girls' Technical In- 
stitute, Montevallo. 

"Mrs. W\ K. Linscott, Member of Alabama Illiteracy 
Commission, Mobile. 

"More recently the committee has also enlisted as vol- 
lunteers : 

"Miss Sarah Luther, Principal Conecuh County High 
School, Castleberry. 

"Miss Hassie Gray, Primary Teacher Birmingham Pub- 
lic Schools, Birmingham. 

"Of the sixty-seven counties of the State only ten lack 
county organizations for the work we are endeavoring to 
do. In several of these there is no problem among the 
whites. As a rule where there is no illiteracy among the 



22 ALxiBAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 

whites it runs pretty high among the negroes, and we 
shall need to perfect organizations for them. 

"We have not received statistical reports from the sev- 
eral counties in which schools or teachers for illiterates 
have been provided. However, eight thousand text-books 
have been distributed, as previously stated ; and it is cer- 
tain that we have schools or teachers for illiterates in 
some forty or fifty counties. The State is awake to our 
situation as regards illiteracy as never before. When the 
public schools are opened for the winter terms we are 
quite sure that facilities will be afforded for teaching 
every illiterate man of draft age. 

"Our work for illiterate men varies from county to 
county. 

"In Henry county seventy-five of the seventy-eight men 
are being taught by individual instructors, no effort being 
made to maintain organized schools. 

"In Sumter county, where the number of illiterate men 
is negligible, they have been offered free instruction in the 
State Normal School, with board and lodging free. 

"In Chambers county, Mr. E. G. McGehee, Jr., county 
manager, has accounted for every drafted man and pro- 
vided instruction either by schools or by individuals for 
practically every illiterate. 

"In Walker county the men are being taught in the 
county high school at Jasper by volunteer teachers, tui- 
tion, board and lodging being furnished the men free. In 
this school a number of men drawing salaries of one hun- 
dred dollars the month or more have left their work in 
order to attend school. 

"In a future report we will endeavor to submit statis- 
tics showing the exact number of counties conducting 
schools and the number of men who have received instruc- 
tions.* 



*This report is given ou pp. IS anil 19. 



ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 23 

"The encouraging feature of this campaign against il- 
literacy is the gracious volunteer work of educational 
administrators, teachers, school trustees, county officers, 
newspapers, and all others whom we have called upon 
for support and assistance." 

The Council of Defense would earnestly urge that there 
be no lessening of the movement to eradicate illiteracy. 
While the war is over and the campaign cannot be a war 
measure in the future, it must be realized that men who 
cannot read and write are handicapped in the pursuits of 
peace as they were in the pursuits of war. It is recom- 
mended that the campaign be further intensified until 
every man and woinan in the State is able to read and 
write. The increase in the earning power of the State 
and the additions to the pleasures and happiness of the 
populace will more than repay the State government and 
citizens for the funds and time they invest in the move- 
ment. 

BOYS' WORKING RESERVE. 

Realizing that the call of the nation for men for the 
army, navy and munition plants demanded that new 
sources of man-power be found, the Council financed the 
Alabama Division of the Boys' Working Reserve. Mr. 
W. Nash Read, of Montgomery, was appointed State di- 
rector by the national office. He established his office in 
the headquarters of the Council and directed the work 
from this department. The Council financed the Boys' 
Working Reserve throughout the year. 

The assistance of the State Department of Education 
and educational workers throughout the State was freely 
given and used. As a result, approximately five thousand 
boys were enrolled in the Reserve and were ready for the 
call to the farms. Because of favorable conditions at the 
beginning of the harvesting season not many boys were 



24 ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 

needed. Later Congress amended the selective service 
law and called to the colors many boys who had enrolled 
for service in the Reserve. This seriously interfered 
with the work at the time calls were being made for 
workers on the farms. 

However, it must be said that the Reserve was used in 
many instances and that the crops were harvested without 
loss to the farmers. 

NON-WAR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS. 

After a nation-wide survey of building materials and 
labor was completed, the War Industries Board made 
rules for the curtailment of building activities which were 
not directly connected with the program for the winning 
of the war. The Alabama Council of Defense was charged 
with the duty of passing upon all construction projects in 
this State. 

County councils of defense received all petitions for 
construction work in their counties, determined for them- 
selves whether or not the projects were necessary, wrote 
their recommendations and filed the petitions with the 
State Council. In many cases the State Council had final 
authority to approve or disapprove the applications. In 
others it was necessary for the State Council to write its 
recommendations and file the petitions with the War 
Industries Board. 

No estimate can be made of the materials saved to the 
nation for war work by the activities of the Council, but 
the total will run far into the hundreds of thousands of 
dollars. It was the policy of the Council to disapprove all 
petitions where it did not appear that the construction 
work was absolutely necessary but to follow up all peti- 
tions which appeared to be for the advancement of the 
war program. 

The moment the armistice was signed and rules of the 
War Industries Board were modified the Council notified 



ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 25 

those whose petitions had been disapproved that they 
might begin their work. Since the signing of the armis- 
tice it has been the desire of the Council to advance con- 
struction projects rather than retard them. 

ADMINISTRATION OF SELECTIVE SERVICE LAW. 

In order that persons called into military service under 
the selective service law might be told of their duties and 
given information which might assist them prior to going 
to camp and after arriving at camp, the State Council of 
Defense held meetings in practically all counties. Talks 
were made by attorneys who told the selectmen of their 
rights under the soldiers' and sailors' civil relief act, by 
physicians who told them how to care for their health, 
by military men who told them what they might expect 
on arriving at camp and by other persons who had infor- 
mation which would assist them. 

It was found early in the war that a complete organiza- 
tion was necessary for this work. The Alabama Council 
of Defense and county councils of defense then assisted 
the selective service boards in organizing boards of in- 
struction in all counties which would be ready to give 
proper information to any men who were called into the 
service. 

Local legal advisory boards were named in all counties 
by the State military department and charged with the 
duty of assisting selectmen in preparing for service. The 
State Council prepared a legal pamphlet, giving a digest 
of the laws in which soldiers and sailors were interested 
and placed a copy in the hands of every member of a legal 
advisory board. This booklet attracted much attention 
and was of great service in the work of the legal advisory 
boards. Credit for the preparation of the booklet must 
be given to Bernard Lobman, who made the compilations 
and digest while connected with the Council. Great as- 



26 ALABAMA COrXCIL OF DEFENSE 

sistance in the legal work was also given by the legal com- 
mittee of the State Council : Thomas L. Bulger, of Dade- 
ville; Frank W. Smith, of Birmingham; Joseph H. 
Nathan, of Sheffield, and Sterling A. Wood, of Birming- 
ham. 

STATE HIGHWAYS TRANSPORT COMMITTEE. 

At the beginning of the war it was realized that high- 
ways would relieve the railroads of many short hauls and 
release much equipment and rolling stock for the trans- 
portation of war materials and food for the fighting men. 
A National Highways Transport Committee was named 
by the Council of National Defense and assigned the dif- 
ficult task of obtaining information about the various sys- 
tems of roads which might be utilized for overland trans- 
portation. 

The Alabama Council was asked to create a State high- 
ways transport committee to work with the national com- 
mittee. Captain John Craft, of Mobile, member of the 
State Highway Commission, was appointed chairman of 
the State committee and Sid W. Lee, of Birmingham, and 
J. B. Rylance, of Montgomery, member of the State High- 
way Commission, were named associate members. 

Plans were made by this committee for a survey of 
highways of Alabama and for the creation of interest 
in the movement for the use of highways in transporta- 
tion. The signing of the armistice relieved this commit- 
tee of many of its problems. However, it had created in 
Alabama interest in the utilization of the highways which 
is certain to be of lasting value. 

ONE-DELI VERY-A-D AY SYSTEM. 

At the time when there was a shortage of labor 
throughout the nation, investigations conducted by the 
State Council showed that labor was being used unneces- 



ALABAMA COl'NCIL OF DEFENSE 27 

sarily by merchants in the delivery of goods. Merchants 
were asked to curtail their deliveries to one a day for each 
portion of their territory, to eliminate entirely so-called 
accommodation deliveries and to reduce the number of 
men employed in the delivery of merchandise to a mini- 
mum. 

Merchants responded generously to this appeal and the 
new system was established by the State Council's repre- 
sentatives in Birmingham, Mobile, Montgomery, Selma, 
Bessemer, Ensley, Decatur, Huntsville, Gadsden, Annis- 
ton, Troy, Athens, Russellville and Tuskegee. In a large 
number of other towns the merchants voluntarily com- 
plied with the request of the State Council and made no 
call for the assistance of field representatives. 

Bernard Lobman, field secretary, made the following 
report on the success of the one-delivery system under 
date of August 30, 1918 : 

"From reports received it appears that the number of 
men released from the delivery service has been on an 
average of fifty per cent. The same figure holds true in 
reference to equipment used and the expense of making 
these deliveries. * * * 

"Accommodation and special deliveries have been en- 
tirely eliminated. The return of merchandise, one of the 
greatest evils and the most expensive in department 
stores, has been reduced fifty per cent and in many cases 
to a minimum. 

"Generally speaking, these recommendations are work- 
ing successfully and many of the merchants of the State 
have told me that except for these adjustments they 
would have been unable to conduct their business after 
the withdrawal of many of their experienced clerks. Not 
only have these changes affected the delivery of mer- 
chandise but they have in many cases enabled the mer- 
chants to get along with less help in their stores." 



28 ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 

SUPERVISION OF RELIEF ORGANIZATIONS. 

The Alabama Council of Defense was charged with the 
duty of supervising organizations engaged in relief work 
and with issuing certificates to those which were ap- 
proved. It was found that many unnecessary relief so- 
cieties were formed at the beginning of the war and it 
was a policy of the Council not to approve any organiza- 
tion which was attempting to intrude upon the field of 
other national relief organizations. In other words, the 
Council attempted to prevent duplication of effort in 
relief work as well as in all other war work. 

Not only did the main relief organizations have the ap- 
proval of the Council, but every effort was made to bring 
success to them in every campaign. These organizations 
are the Red Cross, Salvation Army, Young Men's Chris- 
tian Association, Jewish Welfare Board, Catholic War 
Council, War Camp Community Service, American Li- 
brary Association and Young Women's Christian Associa- 
tion. 

Where independent organizations were not attempting 
to duplicate efforts of these eight organizations and had a 
distinct field of usefulness they had the full support of 
the State Council. 

ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON NEGRO ORGANIZATION. 

In order that all persons in the State might be repre- 
sented in war work, the Alabama Council created a State 
Advisory Committee on Negro Organization and gave it 
the duty of co-operating with the State Council in all 
war work affecting the negro race. This advisory com- 
mittee was composed of Dr. R. R. Moton, of Tuskegee, 
chairman; Prof. W. S. Buchanan, of Normal; Dr. U. G. 
Mason, of Birmingham; Prof. J. H. Phillips, of Mont- 
gomery ; Prof. R. B. Hudson, of Selma ; Dr. C. First John- 
son, of Mobile, and Victor H, Tulane, Esq., of Mont- 



ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 29 

gomery. Prof. E, T. Atwell, of Tuskegee, was a member 
of the original committee but removed from the State and 
Prof. J. H. Phillips was named his successor. 

Every county council of defense was asked to create a 
County Advisory Committee on Negro Organization with 
duties in the county similar to the duties in the State 
assigned to the State committee. 

The effectiveness of this plan was shown when the 
advisory committees were selected by the First United 
War Work Campaign to handle the work among the ne- 
groes. The campaign brought excellent results from 
the beginning. Each member of the State committee was 
assigned a zone and he supervised the campaign among 
his people within his zone. 

PHOTOGRAPHIC HISTORY FOR STATE. 

In order that Alabama might be fully represented in a 
photographic history of the war which is being compiled 
in Washington, Herbert Coleman, well-known photog- 
rapher of Montgomery, was appointed photographic rep- 
resentative of the Alabama Council of Defense and 
charged with the duty of collecting two copies of photo- 
graphs of war activities of Alabama. One copy was for 
the national record in Washington and one for the Ala- 
bama record. 

Mr. Coleman is now compiling this record with the 
assistance of central headquarters. An effort is being 
made to obtain two copies of every photograph made in 
this State which would show an activity of the people in 
preparing for war or in carrying out any part of the war 
program assigned to this State. 

UNIFORM VAGRANCY ORDINANCE. 

In order that all persons might be required to do their 
share in the war, the Council adopted a uniform vagrancy 



30 ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSP: 

law, filed it with the county councils and urged tha\ it be 
adopted in all incorporated towns as a war measure. This 
was necessary because the Alabama Legislature had not 
been in session since the beginning of the war. A great 
majority of the cities and towns adopted this ordinance 
and more than ninety per cent adopted similar ordinances 
requiring all able-bodied persons to assist in carrying on 
the work of the nation. As the ordinances were essen- 
tially war measures, they will cease to exist on the sign- 
ing of the treaty of peace. 

However, the State Council would urge that m.ore strin- 
gent laws regarding vagrancy be enacted by the Alabama 
Legislature. At a time when the world is begging for 
bread no person can have a good reason for failing to bear 
his share of the burden of production. A vagrancy law 
now would be essentially a readjustment measure. 

UNITED STATES SCHOOL GARDEN ARMY. 

Elaborate plans were made by the United States De- 
partment of the Interior and United States Board of 
Education for the cultivation of all lots and vacant prop- 
erty in the cities and towns by school children. Miss Jen- 
nie Burkes, formerly connected with the Alabama De- 
partment of Education, Vv'as named assistant regional di- 
rector for Alabama and Mississippi. The State Council 
elected E. E. Smith, of Birmingham, to act as State direc- 
tor. The assistant regional director and State director 
have worked in harmony and are preparing to continue 
this work in Alabama. 

State Director Smith's report is attached to this report. 

THRIFT AND ECONOMY. 

From the beginning of the war the State Council car- 
ried on an intensive campaign for thrift and economy and 



ALABAMA COLNCIL OF DEFENSE 31 

urged all citizens to save their funds and invest in war 
securities. The effectiveness of this campaign which re- 
ceived the support of all war organizations and patriotic 
societies of Alabama is shown by records of sales of Lib- 
erty Bonds and War Savings Stamps and donations to 
war relief organizations. 

In this connection, the Council urged all purchasers of 
Liberty Bonds to hold them and not to exchange them for 
worthless securities which were thrown on the market by 
persons who desired to obtain Liberty Bonds for their 
valueless stocks. 

ALIEN PROPERTY. 

The State Council was charged with the duty of assist- 
ing the Alien Property Custodian in his search for prop- 
erty and securities owned in Alabama by enemy aliens. 
This search was carried into every county, but few reports 
of alien property were found. 

INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC. 

Alabama suffered severely from influenza during the 
epidemic which spread throughout the nation in October, 
1918. The Alabama Council of Defense co-operated with 
the Alabama Board of Health in a movement to combat 
the spread of the disease. Thousands of circulars show- 
ing how to prevent influenza and giving rules for treat- 
ment after it had been contracted were distributed 
throughout the State by the county councils of defense. 

It must be said in this connection that the Medical Sec- 
tion of the Alabama Council of Defense has been one of 
the most active branches of the organization. Every call 
made by the government for men and materials has been 
answered. A more complete statement of the work of 
the Medical Section is made on other pages of this report. 



32 ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 

CHRISTMAS BUYING. 

Until the signing of the iarmistice the State Council 
carried on a State-wide campaign for early Christmas 
shopping and for restrictions in normal practices of mer- 
chants at Christmas time. Plans had been made at a con- 
ference with merchants and the Council of National De- 
fense whereby no additional labor would be employed by 
merchants, whereby stores would not remain open longer 
hours and whereby early shopping and no additional de- 
liveries would be required. 

This campaign became unnecessary when the war 
ended. As long as the campaign w^as needed, full sup- 
port was rendered by all Chambers of Commerce and mer- 
chants of Alabama. There seemed to be a genuine desire 
to comply with every request of the government, even 
though compliance meant the loss of funds and the keeping 
in stock of goods which otherwise would have been sold. 

LANDS FOR SOLDIERS AND SAILORS. 

The Department of the Interior has made plans which, 
if they receive the approval of Congress, will mean the 
development of vast tracts of land which will be sold to 
soldiers, sailors and workers in government plants on long 
time payments. Congress made a preliminary appro- 
priation of $100,000 for investigations and a bill is now 
pending with a favorable report appropriating $1,000,000. 
This appropriation will be sufficient to complete investi- 
gations in every state in the Union. 

The Alabama Council of Defense has started a move- 
ment to interest the government in the undeveloped lands 
of Alabama. Investigations show that the State has more 
than 15,000,000 acres of cut-over lands and 1,500,000 
acres of swamp lands. Much of this idle land can be 
reclaimed and made productive. 



ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 33 

Already eight hundred thousand acres of Alabama land 
have been listed with the Department. 

The Council now is making a State-wide survey with 
the view of having ready for submission all large tracts 
of undeveloped lands when Congress has made an addi- 
tional appropriation and the plan of the Department of 
the Interior has been put into effect. 

It is urged that this work do not cease when the tieaty 
of peace shall have been signed. Alabama needs intelli- 
gent, aggressive and industrious farmers. No better class 
of citizens could be found than the virile, thinking young 
men now about to return from the battlefield. They are 
courageous, self-reliant and aggressive. Their qualifica- 
tions obtained under fire are needed by Alabama. 

The State Council of Defense would urge that the State 
government take some action looking to the following up 
of this work in an official way. One cannot look mto the 
future far enough to see the great advantages which will 
accrue to this State if the undeveloped lands are taken 
over by returned soldiers and sailors. 

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLICITY. 

Without publicity the government could not have organ- 
ized the nation for war and without the help of Alabama 
newspapers the State Council of Defense could not have 
brought various problems and needs befote the people. 
A publicity department was established at central head- 
quarters with Fred H. Gormley, Montgomery newspaper 
correspondent, as director of publicity. In this way news- 
papers were enabled to give the proper publicity to the 
movements which needed the attention of the people. 

Complete support was given to all movements fostered 
by the State Council by the newspapers of Alabama. At 
a meeting of the Alabama Press Association at Birming- 
ham the newspaper representatives adopted resolutions 



2 ACD 



34 ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 

formally pledging the support of themselves in all cam- 
paigns started by the government. 

Realizing the need for an official record of Alabama's 
war activities, the State Council's publicity department 
began the publication of the Alabama Defense Record 
May 16, 1918. It was issued two times a month and car- 
ried information about all war activities in the State, 
including a complete record of casualties among Alabama 
men. It had a circulation of six thousand and was filed 
with practically all active war workers of Alabama. 

A copy of each issue went to the chairman of each 
county council of defense, members of the legal advisory 
boards, members of the local selective service boards, 
members of woman's committee, county officials, food 
administrators, public libraries, school libraries, news- 
papers. Chambers of Commerce and others. Additional 
copies were provided for county food administrators and 
chairmen of county councils of defense for distribution 
among war workers. 

This feature of Council work proved of unusual inter- 
est. Calls for files of the publication were made by State 
history departments and state councils of defense. The 
Alabama Department of Archives and History was pro- 
vided with a supply of each issue for exchange with the 
departments of other states. 

Patriotic posters were prepared and distributed among 
the county councils of defense and posted by them 
throughout the State. These posters made a pictorial rec 
ord of the progress of the nation on the battlefront and 
in the interior and always carried arguments in favor of 
full support for all campaigns started by the government 
and all requests made by the government. 

The department of publicity is still in operation and 
will continue as long as the government has matters which 
should be brought to the attention of the people of Ala- 
bama. 



ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSIO 



35 



MISCELLANEOUS WORK. 

An effort has been made to outline in this report the 
general duties and accomplishments of the State Council. 
It must be said that this organization has been the agent 
of the government in numberless matters about which 
publication cannot be made. Whenever the government 
called, the State Council attempted to answer. It has 
assisted various government agencies in making investi- 
gations of the loyalty of persons who applied for service 
with the government overseas and within the United 
States. It has assisted in inquiries about disloyalty and 
sedition, but here it must be said few reports of disloyalty 
and sedition were made in this State. 

In other words, the Alabama Council of Defense has 
been the clearing house for war work. It has not confined 
its work to problems arising within the Council system. 
It has attempted to assist in the solution of problems 
faced by other departments and agencies of the govern- 
ment. 

Among activities carried on by the Council which must 
be dismissed with this statement follow : 

Assembled data regarding buildings in Alabama which 
could be used as storage houses by the government. 

Assisted State Farm Extension Service in its campaign 
for the enrollment of boys in agricultural pursuits. 

Aided United States Employment Service in campaign 
to obtain Alabama's quota of laborers needed in munition 
and other essential plants. 

Urged the establishment of uniform closing hours for 
freight depots during war. 

Made State campaign for binoculars and spy glasses 
for navy when government was unable to purchase them 

in market. 

Assisted every patriotic campaign started by govern- 
ment or war relief organizations since nation entered 
the war. 



36 ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 

Made investigations of reports of citizens of Alabama 
who were receiving fraudulent allotments and allow- 
ances. 

Made State-wide campaign for the collection of fruit 
pits and nut shells for use in the manufacture of gas 
masks. 

Brought to the attention of State the enemy propa- 
ganda from the beginning of the war. 

Reported to public and private libraries of Alabama the 
names and authors of books which had been classed as 
pro-German and asked that they be withdrawn. 

Assisted in campaign to make all registration days one 
hundred per cent efficient. 

Made State campaign for the discovery of inventions 
which might be used to advantage in the war. 

Financed Saturday Service League among colored farm- 
ers, resulting in more than three thousand working six 
full days each week during crop year. 

Carried on State campaign for photographs and pic- 
tures of towns and cities behind German lines. Several 
pictures were obtained in this campaign and forwarded 
to the proper authorities. 

Attention is called to the fact that this report contains 
additional reports of the various war organizations of 
Alabama which participated in war work and were a part 
of the Council of Defense system. 

MEMORIAL FOR SOLDIERS. 

Just as we have served the living, so we must pay 
tribute in an abiding way to those heroes who have fin- 
ished their course in life. As a testimonial to the gal- 
lantry, the courage and the nobleness of purpose which 
actuated them to go forth to battle, should we not erect a 
permanent and lasting memorial? Not one simply of 
artistic conception or imposing design, but a building of 



ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 37 

adequate proportions and enduring usefulness, and which 
will tend to keep alive the records and exploits of those 
sons of Alabama who made the supreme sacrifice, and 
yet prove a benefaction to the veterans of the great world 
war. We trust. Governor, that by legislative action or 
voluntary subscriptions, either or both, some definite 
program may be worked out to commemorate the acts of 
heroism and devotion of Alabama's sons who lie beneath 
the sod of a sister Republic. 

CONCLUSION. 

In concluding this report, the Alabama Council of De- 
fense desires to tender its sincere thanks to the loyal and 
patriotic citizens of the State who made contributions to 
the treasury of the Council at a time when action was 
absolutely necessary. Without these contributions the 
work could not have been done. 

The Council has attempted to practice economy in all 
of its work, but at the same time it has not held back 
when there was a real need for action. 

Respectfully submitted, 
Alabama Council of Defense, 
Lloyd M. Hooper, Chairman. 

Fred H. Gormley, 
Executive Secretary. 



FINANCIAL REPORT. 



RECEIPTS.* 

Biruiinghaiu Citizens $ 11,292.00 

Mobile Citizens 5 090.00 

Troy Citizens '300.00 

Pell City Citizens 200.00 

Gadsden Citizens Ig2 oo 

Carrollton Citizens 103.65 

Wetnmpka Citizens 22.50 

Marion Citizens 47.60 

R. M. Hobbie 100.00 

S. n. Scott 10.00 

L. M. Hooper 500.00 

Total Contributions $ 17.847.75 

DISBURSEMENTS. 

Birmingham Conference $ 284.68 

Telegrams and Telephone 468.72 

Stamps 627.11 

Four-Minute Men, Contribution to 800.00 

Illiteracy, Draftmen 1,439.32 

Woman's Committee 433.47 

Community Sings 125.00 

Organization County and Community Councils 2.863.00 

Salaries, Office Force 2,492.50 

Boy's Working Reserve 219.55 

Retail Deliveries Campaign : 213.43 

Office Equipment 368.85 

Defense Record, Publication of 619.50 

Highways Transport Committee 28.00 

"Saturday Service League" 153.86 

Washington Conferences, Expense of 445.22 

Printing. Stationery and Mimeograph Supplies 770.93 

Speakers' Bureau 218.68 

U. S. School Garden Army 133.33 

♦Receipts have been through contributions only. 



ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 



39 



165.00 
Illustrated Posters ^^^ 

Legal Pamphlets 445.31 

Traveling Expenses 569.53 

Organization Expense ^^^ 2i 

Incidentals -q^qq 

Expenses of Chairman 

$ 14,624.60 

Total 

$ 17,847.75 

Receipts 14,624.60 

Disbursements 

„^ _,„ $ 3,223.15 

Balance November 30, lyis 



ORGANIZATION OF ALABAMA COUNCIL OF 
DEFENSE 



Lloyd M. Hooper, Selma Cbairmau 

Fred H. Gormley, Montgomery Executive Secretary 

Tom O. Smith, Birmingham Treasurer 

Miss Mamie Offutt, Montgomery Assistant Secretary-Treasurer 

Franli Stollenwerck, Montgomery 

Chairman Speakers' Bureau and Field Secretary 

Charles E. Allen, Newbern Director of Development 

Mrs. G. H. Mathis, Gadsden Field Secretary 

William P. Cobb, Tuskegee Field Secretary 

C. Guy Smith, Montgomery 

State Director of Community Sings and Liberty Choruses 

Thomas M. Owen, LL. D., Montgomery State War Historian 

B. E. Smith, Birmingham Director U. S. School Garden Army 

Miss Ruth Davis, Montgomery Assistant Secretary 

Miss Elberta McQueen, Greenville Assistant Secretary 

COMMITTEES OF ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE. 

Executive Committee-^Goveriiov Charles Henderson. Troy : Lloyd 
M. Hooper, Selma ; L. M. Bashinsky, Troy ; Albert P. Bush, Mobile ; 
T. J. Crittenden, Birmingham ; J. F. Duggar, Auburn ; Richard M. 
Hobbie. Montgomery ; Mrs. James F. Hooper, Selma ; Crawford John- 
son, Birmingham ; Sanuiel P. Kennedy, Anniston ; W. J. Leppert, New 
Orleans ; Ray Rushton, Montgomery ; George B. Tarrant, Birming- 
liam ; Dr. C. C. Thach, Auburn ; Oscar Wells, Birmingham ; Walter 

D. "Wellborn. Montgomery. 

Finance Committee — Tom O. Smith, Birmingham ; A. G. Parrish, 
Selma ; -Adolphe Hohenberg. Wetumpka ; N. P. Renfroe, Opelika ; 
Louis Pizitz, Birmingham. 

Co-ordination of Societies — Frank Willis Barnett, Birmingham ; 
Mrs. J. F. Hooper, Selma ; Joe Loveman. Birmingham ; Dr. B. J. 
Baldwin, Montgomery ; Frank P. Glass, Birmingham ; Wm. D. Jelks, 
Birmingham ; J. B. Ellis, Selma. 

Food Production and Conservation— James A. Wade, Montgomery ; 
H. L. McElderry, Talladega ; John A. Rogers, Gainesville ; Mrs. G. H. 
Mathis, Gadsden; W. J. Beeland, Greenville; J. R. Garrett, Elba; 



ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 41 

W. F. Garth, Huutsville; J. J. Espy, Headland; W. A. Wadsworth, 
Prattville; Leo Strassburger, Montgomery- 

Animal Industry — Dr. C. A. Cavy, Auburn ; Judge C. E. Tliomas, 
PrattA'ille; L. F. Sessions, Ozark; C. Davis, Huutsville; J. E. Duna- 
way, Orrville; Henry Abraham, Montgomery; W. H. King, Luverne. 

Health — Dr. S. W. Welch, Montgomery Dr. J. N. Baker, Mont- 
gomery ; Dr. Henry G. Greer, Dothan ; Dr. H. G. Perry, Montgomery ; 
Dr. J. H. Blue, Montgomery ; Dr. W. Earl Drennen, Birmingham ; Dr. 
F. G. Dubose, Selma ; Dr. R. S. Hill, Montgomery. 

Imlufitrial — J. W. McQueen, Birmingham ; Tracy W. Pratt, Huuts- 
ville; A. A. Hardage, Albany; G. B. McCormick, Birmingham; John 
J. Russell, Mobile; N. C. Elting, Florence; Frank S. Moody, Tusca- 
loosa ; E. C. Melvin, Selma ; Dr. L. C. Morris, Birmingham. 

LaJjor — Judge H. T. Benton, Seale ; Louis C. Bowen, Birmingham ; 
S. P. Dunn, Evergreen; W. J. Nicholson, Centei'ville; M. E. Bar- 
ganier, Montgomery ; Jesse Coleman, Prattville ; John Peebles, Mon- 
roeville. 

Transportation — S. P. Kennedy, Anniston ; Leo Strassburger. Mont- 
gomery; W. S. Kellei', Montgomery; J. I. McKinuey, Montgomery; 
L. Sevier, Birmingham.; W. M. Blount, Union Springs. 

LcyaJ — T. L. Bulger, Dadeville; Frank W. Smith, Birmingham; 
J. H. Nathan, Sheffield; Sterling A. Wood, Birmingham. 

Military — General G. J. Hubbard, Troy ; General Louis V. Clark, 
Birmingham ; Colonel W. F. Weiss, Montgomery. 

Publicity — W. T. Sheehan, Montgomery ; Karry M. Ayers, Annis- 
ton ; J. H. F. Moseley, Birmingham ; David Holt, Montgomery ; Fred 
H. Gormley, Montgomery. 

CHAIRMEN OF COUNTY COUNCILS OF DEFENSE. 

Autauga — Allen Northingtou Prattville 

Baldwin— W. D. Stapletou Bay Minotte 

Barbour— O. B. Pruet Clayton 

Bibb — Senator W. H. Cooper Centerville 

Blount — T. H. Davidson Oueonta 

Bullock— Cliff Stewart Union S])rings 

Butler — W. J. Beeland Greenville 

Calhoun — W. A. White Anniston 

Chambers — C. S. Moon LaFayette 

Cherokee — Hugh Reed Center 

Chilton — William M. Adams Clanton 

Choctaw — Joe D. Lindsey Butler 



42 ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 

Clarke— F. A. Carlisle Jackson 

Clay— W. H. Duke Llueville 

Cleburne— J. M. Adkins Heflin 

Coffee— W. B. Glenn Enterprise 

Colbert— Frank N. Julian Sheffield 

Conecuh— C. P. Deming Evergreen 

Coosa— John W, Batson Rockford 

Covington— T. E. Henderson ..Andalusia 

Crenshaw— W. C. Sanders Luverne 

Cullman— S. J. Griffin Cullman 

Dale— Cad Jones Ozark 

Dallas— W. C. Agee Selma 

DeKalb— Marvin Baker Fort Payne 

Elmore — Archie Heyburn Elmore 

Escambia — Ed Leigh McMillan Brevs'ton 

Etowah — L, L. Herzberg Gadsden 

Fayette— W. S. McNeill Fayette 

Franklin — Rev. J. W. Partridge Russellville 

Geneva— P. M. Metcalf Hartford 

Greene— Judge A. P. Smith Eutaw 

Hale — J. A. Blunt Greensboro 

Henry- Dr. John Stark Abbeville 

Houston— R. C. Williams Dothan 

Jackson — John F. Proctor Scottsboro 

Jefferson— Forney Johnston Birmingham 

Lamar— W. W. Ogden SuHigeut 

Lauderdale— J. C. Roberts Florence 

Lawrence — John P. White Moulton 

Lee— J. B. Greene Opelika 

Limestone — M. K. Clements Athens 

Lowndes— Joseph R. Bell Hayneville 

Macon— John H. Drakeford Tuskegee 

Madison— W. F. Garth Huntsville 

Marengo — George W, Taylor Demopolis 

Marion— V. R. White Hamilton 

Marshall— R. L. Barnes Guntersville 

Mobile— Joseph C. Rich Mobile 

Monroe — J. B. Barnett Monroeville 

Montgomery — George W. Jones Montgomery 

Morgan — E. C. Payne Albany 

Perry — Val Taylor '. Uniontown 

Pickens — A. H. Dabbs CarroUtou 



ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 43 

Pike— W. W. Heath Troy 

Randolph — John W. Overton Wedowee 

Russell — Frank M. DeGrafEenreid Seale 

Shelby — W. F. Davis Columbiana 

St. Clair — James P, Montgomery Ashville 

Sumter — Woodson Ennis Livingston 

Talladega— W. E. Henkle Talladega 

Tallapoosa — Benjamin Russell Alexander City 

Tuscaloosa — Frank S. Moody Tuscaloosa 

Walker — Judge J. W. Shepherd Jasper 

Washington — L. W. Morgan Toinette 

Wilcox — Leon Spnrliu Camden 

Winston — Judge J. J. Curtis Double Springs 



MEDICAL SECTION. 



By Dr. II; G. Perry. Secretary. 
ORGANIZATION. 

The Governor recognizing the fact that the State Board 
of Health has an organization qualified to handle all ques- 
tions concerning medical matters, constituted the State 
Board of Health the Medical Section of the State Council 
of Defense, consequently all the work accomplished has 
been directly done by and through the State Board of 
Health. 

More than a year prior to the organization of the State 
Council of Defense a committee of Alabama doctors, 
known as the State Committee of the Council of National 
Defense, Medical Section, was appointed by the Medical 
Section of the Council of National Defense. This commit- 
tee consisted of Dr. J. N. Baker, then President of the 
State Medical Association, President; Dr. H. G. Perry, 
Secretary of the State Medical Association, Secretary ; all 
the medical officers of the State troops, and a number of 
other prominent physicians in the State. Several meet- 
ings of this committee were held and much valuable in- 
formation furnished to the War Department in regard to 
the medical resources of Alabama. 

As stated above the State Board of Health immediately 
entered upon the discharge of the principal duty required, 
namely, the securing of medical officers fo/the Army. 

A census of the physicians of the State was made in 
order to determine who were most eligible for military 
service, and who could best be spared from their duties in 
civil life. A questionnaire was sent to each of the 2,500 
physicians in the State. More than 1,800 responded. A 
list of those shown to be most eligible for military duty 



ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 45 

was prepared for each county. A table was made show- 
ing the number of square miles in each county, the popu- 
lation, the number of physicians, the average number 
of persons attended by each physician, the number of 
physicians in each county eligible for military service, 
and the approximate number of medical officers which 
each county should furnish. After this was done each 
county society was called upon to secure its quota. Medi- 
cal examiners were located in Mobile, Montgomery and 
Birmingham for the convenience of those physicians who 
desired to volunteer. As a result of these efforts the 
State Board secured without much difficulty, more than 
500 medical officers for the Army and Navy, thereby ex- 
ceeding the quota apportioned to Alabama. 

The expenses for this work have been met by voluntary 
subscriptions from members of the Board. 

The chairman of the Board has attended several con- 
ferences of national scope held in Washington, New York 
and Chicago. The Secretary attended the meeting of Sec- 
retaries of the State Associations in Chicago last spring, 
and has conducted extensive correspondence with county 
representatives and individuals. It has been the aim of 
the Board to facilitate the entrance of physicians into the 
Army and at the same time to protect the interest of the 
various communities of the State, so that no community 
should be left without medical supervision. 

INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC. 
When it became apparent that influenza had invaded 
the United States and was likely to spread all over the 
country the State Board was requested by the Medical 
Section Council of National Defense to secure volunteers 
from physicians still in civil life who would put them- 
selves unreservedly at the command of the United States 
Public Health Service co-operating with the State Board 
of Health to combat the spread of influenza in this State. 



46 ALABAMA COIXCIL OF DEFENSE 

A call was made for twenty physicians and more than 
thirty responded. 

The Congress of the United States appropriated 
$1,0 "0,000 for the control of influenza, this fund to be 
used by the United States Public Health Service co-oper- 
ating with the State Boards of Health. Dr. Robert Ole- 
sen, surgeon in charge of the extra cantonment zone, 
Camp Sheridan, was appointed to act with the State Board 
in furnishing aid to communities needing medical atten- 
tion because of influenza. Health officers over the State 
were instructed to report by wire daily to the State Board 
of Health the number of cases of influenza occurring in 
their communities, and to request by wire assistance when 
needed. More than forty communities have been fur- 
nished medical aid, without which it is impossible to 
measure the loss of life which might have taken place. 
Appendix A shows the distribution of the disease by coun- 
ties for the month of October. Appendix B shows the 
names of those physicians who have been employed in 
this work and the places they served. The figures given 
are for the month of October. The disease is still present 
in the State, but it appears that the height of the epidemic 
has passed. 

The State Board of Health is gratified to have had the 
privilege to demonstrate its usefulness to the State in 
these two matters, that is the securing all medical officers 
for our enlisted Army and the management of the most 
widespread and fatal epidemic which has ever visited 
Alabama. The Board is still ready to serve the people 
as best it can during the period of readjustment and 
reorganization, which faces our State. 

The personnel of the Medical Section, Council of De- 
fense, is as follows : 

Dr. Glenn Andrews Montgomery 

Dr. B. J. Baldwin Montgomery 



ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 47 

Dr. J. S. Beard Troy 

Dr. L. E. Broughton Andalusia 

Dr. M. B. Cameron Eutaw 

Dr. C. S. Chenault Albany 

Dr. J. P. Colvin Lincoln 

Dr. F. G. DuBose Selma 

Dr. P. T. Fleming Enterprise 

Dr. T. H. Frazier Mobile 

Dr. S. G. Gay Selma 

Dr. Henry Green, Assistant Secretary Dothan 

Dr. Wyatt Heflin Birmingham 

Dr. R. S. Hill Montgomery 

Dr. A. A. Jackson Florence 

Dr. W. R. Jackson Mobile 

Dr. L. W. Johnston Tuskegee 

Dr. J. M. Lowery _ Birmingham 

Dr. L. C. Morris Birmingham 

Dr. W. D. Partlow ; Tuscaloosa 

Dr. H. G. Perry, Secretary Montgomery 

Dr. R. A. Smith „ Brewton 

Dr. A. N. Steele Anniston 

Dr. D. F. Talley Birmingham 

Dr. I. L. Watkins Montgomery 

Dr. S. W. Welch, Chairman Montgomery 

Dr. Cunningham Wilson Birmingham 

Dr. B. L. Wyman Birmingham 



48 



ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DP:FENSE 



APPENDIX A— MEDICAL SECTION. 

Influenza in Alabama Octobkk, 1918. 

Cases and Deaths. 



/J/abamj. 



TENNESSEE 



GEORGIA 




Legend — * Nuinler Cases (i-.stiiii:iteil ). 
X Number Deaths (Reported). 



ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 49 



APPENDIX B— MEDICAL SECTION. 

List of Physicians Appointed Acting Assistant Surgeons in Ignited 

States Public Health Service, and Serving in Influenza 

Epidemic in Alabama During October, 1918. 

Name and Home Address. Stations Served. 

Armstroug, J. I. — Cullman, Ala Huutsville, Ala. 

Bell, W. S. — Gordo, Ala Margaret Mines and Cullman, Ala. 

Cameron, M. B. — Eutaw, Ala Huutsville, Ala. 

Chapman, John T. — Selma, Ala Bellamy, Caatopa, Newlern and 

Minter, Ala. 

Cbeatham, T. A. — Birmingham, Ala Guntersville, Ala. 

Comptou, F. H. — Birmingham, Ala Pell City, Ala. 

Faucett, DeWitt— Gadsden, Ala Huutsville, Ala. 

Hogan, Frank — Birmingham, Ala Pell City and Sylacauga, Ala. 

Kendrick, B. M. — Luverne, Ala Sayre, Ala. 

Klein, W. W., Louisville, Ky Altoona and Brilliant, Ala. 

Kyser, J. A. — Madison, Ala Huutsville, Ala. 

Lewis, A. S. — Birmingham, Ala Margaret Mines and Scottslioro, Ala. 

Martin, J. H. — Selma, Ala Huutsville and Guntersville, Ala. 

Mastin. T. L.— Huutsville, Ala Huutsville, Ala. 

Moore. G. A. — Eutaw, Ala Huntsville, Alabama City and Ethelville. 

Morrow, R. P. — West I'oint, Ga Loachapoka, Ala. 

Parson, H. T. — Birmingham. Ala Paynes Bend, Ala. 

Pugh, C. E. — Grove Hill, Ala Nadawah. Nauvoo aud Tallassee, Ala. 

Sasville, E. M. — Anniston, Ala Huutsville, Alabama City and 

Birmingham, Ala. 

Stephens, D. D. — Slocomb, Ala Dora, Ala. 

Weedon, W. R. — Eufaula, Ala Union Spriugs and Tallassee, Ala. 

Wilkinson, D. L. — Birmingham, Ala Huntsville, Guntersville. Pratt- 

ville and Cardiff, Ala. 

Wilkinson, J. G. — Birmingham, Ala Cullman and Mineral Spgs., Ala. 

Woodson, A. M. — Birmingham Talladega Springs, Addison and 

Cullman, Ala. 
Davis, Lt. L. C. — 9th Sanitary Train, Camp Sheridan, Ala 

Plaleyville aud Red Bay, Ala. 

Greason, Lt. C. E. — 9th Sanitary Train, Camp Sheridan, Ala 

Fairfax, Ala. 

Hall. Lt. P. B.— 9tb Sanitary Train, Camp Sheridan, Ala...Sipsey, Ala. 
Morgan, Lt. J. C. — 9th Sanitary Train, Camp Sheridan, Ala 

Fairfax, Ala. 



60 ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 

Xame and Home Address. Stations Served. 
Stomel, Lt. J. — 9th Sanitary Train, Camp Sheridan, Ala 

Opp and Linden, Ala. 

Szabo, Lt. D. E. — 9th Sanitary Train, Camp Sheridan, Ala 

Acmar, Ala. 

Thurraan, Lt. J. L. — 9th Sanitary Train. Camp Sheridan. Ala 

Cordova. Ala. 

Thweatt, Lt. D. H. — 9th Sanitary Train, Camp Sheridan, Ala 

Fairfax, Ala. 

Wilhelmi, Lt. O. J. — 9th Sanitary Train, Camp Sheridan, Ala 

* Acmar, Ala. 



WOMAN'S COMMITTEE, COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 



By ^Irs. James F. Hooper, Chairman. 

When, at the request of the government, Alabama's 
distinguished Governor, Charles Henderson, assembled 
representatives of the State for the purpose of forming a 
State Council of Defense, to meet the unusual and unfa- 
miliar demands brought by a state of war, two women 
were placed upon State committees — Mrs. G. H. Mathis, 
of Gadsden, on Conservation, and Mrs. J. F. Hooper, of 
Selma, on Co-ordination of Societies. 

Later when the national committee formed a Woman's 
Division of the Council of Defense, the eighteen state 
organizations of women elected Mrs. J. F. Hooper chair- 
man of the Alabama division. With the following officers 
this division has endeavored to conduct the activities of 
that body in a manner acceptable to the State and to the 
national committee: 

Mrs. J. F. Hooper, Selma Chairman 

Mrs. Thos, M. Owen, Montgomery First Vice-Chairman 

Mrs. Rhett Goode, Mobile Second Vice-Chairman 

Mrs. Zebulon Judd, Auburn Third Vice-Chairman 

Mrs. L. M. Bashinsky, Troy Treasurer 

Mrs. J. B. Parke, Selma Secretary 

Mrs. J. B. Jones, Montgomery Publicity Chairman 

Mrs. Alex London, Birmingham Finance Chairman 

The object of the woman's division was to provide a 
new and direct channel of communication between Ameri- 
can women and their government ; to enlist the co-opera- 
tion of all women, whether organized or not, and to 
ascertain and report upon the patriotic work being done 
by them; to endeavor through co-ordination and cen- 



52 ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 

tralization to obtain greater efficiency in women's defense 
work, and to impress upon women the importance of all 
methods of economic warfare as a vital aid in winning 
the war. In the past year the government has entrusted 
to the woman's committee the definite duty of transmit- 
ting to all the women of the nation the information and 
instructions which the government designed for them, and 
of stimulating, directing and utilizing the war work of 
women. 

From the first, the woman's committee sought to secure 
the co-operation and assistance of the numerous women's 
organizations, and it is a pleasure to record the invaluable 
assistance which the majority of these organizations have 
rendered. It would have spared the committee much 
effort and expense if the committee had been able to do 
all of its work through the women's organizations, but 
the largest of them in Alabama does not claim a member- 
ship of over 6,000 and we have 70,000 women who were 
standing ready to engage in patriotic work, so it was 
manifestly impractical to act solely through the different 
societies. 

It was early seen that thorough organization could not 
be accomplished without personal contact with the organi- 
zation committee, and to expedite the work the State was 
divided into nine zones, composed of about seven counties 
each, and each member of the organization committee 
given the supervision of a zone. To these splendid lead- 
ers we are indebted for the measure of success which has 
crowned our efforts : 

First Zone— Mrs. T. W. Pratt, Huntsville; 2nd, Mrs. 
J. S. Paden, Gadsden; 3rd, Mrs. Battle Searcy, Tusca- 
loosa ; 4th, Mrs. H. H. Snell, Birmingham ; 5th, Mrs. S. P. 
Kennedy, Anniston; 6th, Mrs. J. B. Parke, Selma; 7th, 
Mrs. J. H. Crenshaw, Montgomery; 8th, Mrs. L. M. Ba- 
shinsky, Troy ; 9th, Mrs. G. W. L. Smith, Brewton. 



ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 53 

The following county chairmen have held leadership in 
their respective counties : 

Autauga — Miss Claudia Suiitli Prattville 

Baldwin — Mrs. L. J. Comiugs Fairliope 

Barbour — Mrs. C. S. McDowell Eulaula 

Bibb—Mrs. Eugeue Keyiiolds Bloctou 

Blouut — Mrs. M. J. Oweus Oneonta 

Bullock — Mrs. Mariou Moseley Uuion Spriugs 

Butler— Mrs. W. C. Coker : Greenville 

Calhoun — Mrs. J. B. Knox Auniston 

Chambers — Mrs. Edward McGehee LaFayette 

Cherokee — Mrs. J. Rowland Lowe Leesburg 

Chilton — Mrs. Sallie A. Stewart Clantou 

Choctaw — Mrs. .J. Brewster Butler 

Clarke — Miss Bettie T. Forester Thomasville 

Clay — Mrs. John Ingrain Liueville 

Cleburne — Mrs. Walter B. Merrill Heflin 

Coffee — Mrs. L. C. Hutchison Enterprise 

Colbert — Mrs. A. H. Carmichael Tuscuuibia 

Conecuh — Mrs. Arthur Cunningham Evergreen 

Coosa^Mrs. Lofton Thomas Nixburg 

Covington — Mrs. Oscar Duggar Andalusia 

Crenshaw— Mrs. J. W. Coston Luverne 

Cullman— Mrs. J. E. Daly Cullman 

Dale— Mrs. J. E. Z. Riley Ozark 

Dallas — Mrs. B. H. Craig Selma 

DeKalb — Mrs. J. E. Dooley Fort Payne 

Elmore — Miss Leouora Lull Wetumpka 

Escambia — Mrs. G. W. L. Smith Brewton 

Etowah — Mrs. John S. Paden Gadsden 

Fayette— Mrs. W. H. Terry Fayette 

Geneva — Mrs. G. C. Simpson '. Hartford 

Greene — Mrs. C. M. A. Rogers Eutaw 

Hale — Mrs. A. E. Stollenwerck Greensboro 

Henry — Mrs. John Stark Abbeville 

Houston — Mrs. A. Y. Malone Dothan 

Jefferson — Mrs. H. H. Snell Birmingham 

Lauderdale — Miss Nettie Simpson Florence 

Lee — Mrs. J. R. Dowdell Opelika 

Limestone — Mrs. M. K. Clements Athens 

Lowndes— Mrs. J. T. Jackson Benton 



54 ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 

Macon— Mrs. C. W. Hare - Tuskegee 

Madisou— Mrs. W. I. Thompson Huntsville 

Marengo— Mrs. Warren George Demopolis 

Marion — Miss Daisy Hightower Hamilton 

Marshall— Mrs. O. D. Street Guntersville 

Mobile— Mrs. Rhett Goode Mol)ile 

Monroe— Mrs. F. W. Hare Monroeville 

Montgomery — Mrs. Mamie Thorington Montgomeiy 

Morgan— Mrs. J. D. Wyker Decatur 

Perry — Mrs. J. E. West .*. Uniontown 

Pike— Mrs. L. M. Bashinsky Troy 

Pickens— Mrs. H. H. Mobley Gordo 

Lamar — Mrs. Box Vernon 

Randolph— Mrs. M. M. Carlisle Roanoke 

Shelby— Mrs. T. W. Palmer Montevallo 

St. Clair — Mrs. James Embry Ashville 

Sumter— Mrs. Wayne Pattou Livingston 

Talladega— Mrs. W. E. Price Sylacauga 

Tuscaloosa — Mrs. Harvey Searcy Tuscaloosa 

Walker— Mrs. W. B. Pickard Cordova 

Washington — Miss Carrie Pelham Chatom 

Wilcox— Mrs. B. M. Miller Camden 

The total number of county and local units of the Coun- 
cil, including the units of colored women, is three hundred 
and eighty. All of these counties, through their local 
units, have conducted all of the government campaigns 
and according to their several needs have supervised the 
war work in their counties, and to each we give a word of 
praise and appreciation. Eight counties have led in 
some distinctive way, and of those we make special men- 
tion. 

Jefferson county, organized by Mrs. J. H. McCoy, who 
resigned on account of the illness of Bishop McCoy, and 
was succeeded by Mrs. H. H. Snell, of Birmingham, holds 
first place in thorough and complete organization, both 
in the number of units and departments of work. Fifty 
units are on the membership roll and every government 
activity is represented. A special committee was ap- 



alaba:ma council oi-' defense 55 

pointed, known as the Rainbow Division, which under the 
command of Mrs. W. D. Smith, conducted successfully 
the work of canvassing in the campaigns. 

A model Hoover kitchen, superintended by Mrs. Conrad 
Ohme, was an inspiration to other communities to estab- 
lish others, and camp activities led by Mrs. Charles J. 
Sharpe, tell a story of untiring interest and activity in 
the welware of the nation's defenders. 

The Home and Foreign Relief Committee Chairman, 
Mrs. C. P. Orr, provided every Jefferson county enlisted 
boy with the camp outfit, and thousands of comfort bags, 
sweaters and other parting gifts warmed the hearts and 
stirred the patriotism of both recipient and giver. The 
results of campaigns in Jefferson county are recorded in 
the reports of the department chairmen. 

Etowah county, Chairman Mrs. J. S. Paden played a 
close second to Jefferson in organization and in well- 
rounded department war activities. 

Walker county. Chairman Mrs. W. B. Pickard, of Cor- 
dova, had the distinction of reaching its quota of nurses 
for the government first, and in the end doubled this 
quota. 

Dallas county stands first in endowing hospital beds, 
having endowed five in the Red Cross Hospital at Neuilly, 
France, at a cost of $3,000. 

Morgan county took the initiative in utilizing the Lib- 
erty Chorus as a patriotic instrument in the war cam- 
paigns. Under the management of Miss Florence Bas- 
sett. Liberty Choruses were enjoyed by every community 
in the county. 

Pike county. Chairman Mrs. L. M. Bashinsky, excelled 
in registration, every available woman signing for war 
service. In this county all illiterates in the last draft 
were given school equipment by the committee. 

Mobile has emphasized relief work by adopting eighty- 
one French orphans and endowing four hospital beds. 



50 ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 

An unusual record for service is established by the 
report of Mrs, Sam P. Kennedy, chairman of the fifth 
zone, who devoted great attention to the care of soldiers at 
Camp McClellan, Anniston. Mrs. Kennedy's report shows 
that a total of $20,470 was expended for the benefit of the 
camp. 

The Anniston Hospital Relief Committee of the Coun- 
cil of Defense contributed articles valued at $4,150. Indi- 
vidual gifts through this unit totaled $4,725. Total con- 
tributions through the Hospital Red Cross Committee, by 
churches, clubs, etc., were $7,916.75, making a grand 
total of $16,701.75 contributed by Anniston. 

Total contributions of the Oxford unit were $674.50, 
by the Jacksonville unit $1,554 and by the Piedmont unit 
$164. 

Because of the great record for service established by 
the Red Cross committee during the influenza epidemic 
special attention must be paid to its w^ork. This unit made 
and delivered to Camp McClellan during the epidemic 
more than five thousand sheets, nearly four hundred pil- 
low cases and thousands of masks. The total value of 
this service if estimated in dollars and cents would be 
$1,562.50, making total contributions of the women's 
organizations of Calhoun county of $20,470. 

The value, however, of the unqualified loyalty and la- 
bors of love given by the patriotic women of the Council 
of Defense of Calhoun county can never be estimated. 

COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES. 

The war activities were assembled under departments, 
in the interest of efficiency, and the following report 
justifies the wisdom of the appointments of the State 
chairmen : 

Registration, Mrs. J. B. Parke, Chairman — 15,C00 
women registered for service. 



ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 57 

Food Conservation, Miss Mary Feminear, Auburn, 
Chairman — Every county organized and demonstrators 
most successful in interesting the women in war substi- 
tutes. Hoover kitchens have been established by a num- 
ber of local units which have proven most beneficial in 
teaching the art and beauty of economy. 

Child Welfare, Miss Clutie Bloodworth, Albany, Chair- 
man — Subject has been assiduously studied. Realizing 
that the child is the hope of the nation, the National Chil- 
dren's Bureau arranged a special program for children's 
year, looking toward efficient citizenship of the future, 
and our committee" has weighed and measured 16,000 
children under five years of age, testing their normality 
and instructing the mothers in proper care of their bodies, 
and directing them to the diet which would produce the 
most vigorous physical development. Conferences, illus- 
trated lectures, courses of instruction have been given in 
a large number of counties, and free clinics, dispensaries 
and milk provided in the cities. 

The Public Information Committee, Mrs. Oscar Hund- 
ley, Birmingham, Chairman, has been active in seven cam- 
paigns, in practically every county in the State. There 
are 112 women chairmen, appointed by the State chairman 
of the Woman's Division. 

The subjects which have been assigned to the Four- 
Minute Men by the government through its Committee on 
Public Information, are: War Savings Stamps, Register, 
Meaning of America, Mobilizing America's Man Power, 
Where Did You Get Your Facts, Fire Prevention, Fourth 
Liberty Loan, and United War Work. 

The Woman's Division, by conservative estimate, has 
reached six hundred thousand people in these various 
drives. Since the Four-Minute Men have become the 
official speakers for the American Red Cross, their serv- 
ices will be called upon constantly. 



58 ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 

Americanization, Mrs. C. S. Shawman, Mobile, Chair- 
man, is the name now given to the committee formerly 
known as Educational Propaganda ; and under its old title 
many able national speakers were brought to Alabama to 
spread abroad the great national ideals and to impress 
upon each hearer a personal responsibility for upholding 
them. 

Americanization, Mrs. C. S. Shawham, Mobile, Chair- 
man, presents the following gratifying report, which fills 
every Alabama woman with pride : 

First and second loans, over one million dollars (accu- 
rate figures not available) ; third loan, six million two 
hundred thirty-eight thousand nine hundred dollars; 
fourth loan, ten million three hundred sixty-nine thousand 
four hundred dollars. Total, seventeen million six hun- 
dred and eight thousand three hundred dollars. These 
subscriptions resulted from the activities of this commit- 
tee in the campaign. 

Music, Mrs. Victor Hanson, Chairman, has played a 
great part in the work of the Council. Concerts have 
been generously provided for the entertainment of the 
soldiers in both camps in the State, and the Liberty 
Chorus is the most universally popular movement which 
we have put forth. With Mrs. Hanson as assistant State 
Director of Liberty Choruses, the women feel that they 
are entitled to a large share in its success. 

The Committee on Woman in Industry, Mrs. W. L. 
Murdoch, Chairman, has been necessarily, in this State 
where there are no laws for the protection of women, 
largely educational. The first work was to make a sur- 
vey in the larger cities of the State of what occupations 
were open to women. Then, as to what kinds of industry 
women had entered to fill men's places. This survey 
showed practically every line of occupation with which 
we are familiar employing some women. Banks, for in- 
stance, which had rarely had women other than a few 



ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 59 

stenographers, had filled the places formerly occupied by 
men entirely with women. The postoffice, department 
stores, laundries, and so on, had supplied their vacancies 
with women. 

A survey as to hours and wages revealed the fact that 
throughout the State hours for women are cruelly long 
and one of the things which this committee hopes to ac- 
complish ere it ceases to exist is the passage of a law for 
an eight-hour day for working women. Standards of 
labor, such as outlined by the National Committee, were 
sent to twenty-five counties in the State asking that they 
give them the widest possible publicity. Window cards 
showing the British experience of overworking women 
and then as a result the passage of such fine laws, were 
displayed in a number of the larger cities of the State. 
The educational work has gone on steadily, but as to 
concrete results of this committee, it is impossible to state. 
First of all, because there are no laM^s in Alabama about 
women's work as to hours, wages, or any protection what- 
ever so that it was impossible to do as in so many states 
they have done, watch for violations of these laws. The 
various factories of the State employing women which 
had any government contracts were visited and a careful 
investigation made as to observing government hours. 

In the largest cities of Alabama, as the government 
opened Employment Bureaus, the work of this committee 
has been largely co-operative with them, although in the 
first six months of its existence it did practically all the 
placing of women in industry. The registration cards 
were kept at the office of this committee and women 
applying for positions or employers applying for help 
were assisted by this committee. This became unneces- 
sary after the Government Employment Bureaus were 
established, except in the small towns and the committee 
is still helping to place women and girls throughout the 
State in the smaller cities. The committee has been in- 



60 ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 

strumental in securing free business educations for a 
number of girls, has assisted in securing overseas posi- 
tions for quite a number of young women and has un- 
doubtedly helped to bring about the early Christmas shop- 
ping and some of the holidays which have fallen to the 
lot of Alabama women. The educational work is still 
going on and the great goal for which the committee is 
now aiming is regulation of hours by law. 

In the city of Birmingham the Committee on Woman 
in Industry has visited 632 merchants. This includes mer- 
chants of all kinds except automobile garages. There were 
found 1,423 white women and 180 colored women in these 
establishments. In connection with the employment office 
of the government, industries which had not heretofore 
employed women were interviewed as to their willingness 
to do so and many plants have established separate quar- 
ters for the women employes. For instance, the Acipco 
Company, now employing 100 colored women, built for 
their use shower baths and rest room. The laundries of 
Birmingham nearly all had good lunch rooms, excellent 
rest rooms and furnished free tea or coffee to their em- 
ployes. This was done for both white and colored. San- 
itary conditions in many places were found very unsatis- 
factory. This was largely due to the fact that many of 
these buildings had been built without any idea of ever 
having a woman employe. The rest of the State has not 
been heard from as to detailed reports. 

The Committee on Moral Conservation in the Camps, 
Chairman, Mrs. W. H. Jeffries, Birmingham, has put 
forth every effort to create public opinion in favor of pro- 
hibition, believing that to be the strongest factor in 
accomplishing its purpose." 

The Committee on Conservation of the Spiritual Life 
of the Nation, Chairman, Mrs. J. W. Bruce, Birmingham, 
instituted a special prayer service for the safety of the 
"boys over there," both spiritually and physically, and 



ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 01 

for the strengthening of faith in the power of prayer in 
the watchers at home. 

Home and Foreign Relief Work has been done largely 
through the Red Cross, but over and above the magnifi- 
cent service which the women of the State have given 
through that chosen channel they have supported thirteen 
beds in the Military Hospital No. 1, at Neuilly, France, 
at a cost of $7,800 and adopted 215 Fatherless Children 
of France, sponsored by Marshal Joffre, at a cost of 
$7,847.50. 

Camp Activities have been conducted under committees 
formed in local units, and report expenditures amounting 
to $32,164. 

Special Chairman for Student-Nurses Reserve cam- 
paign, Mrs. L. K. McVoy, Selma, reports 197 students 
enroUed for the nursing service. 

REPORTS FROM STATE ORGANIZATIONS. 

The Chairman of Health and Recreation, Mrs. W. J. 
Hannah, Montgomery, has co-operated with War Camp 
Community Service under the Fosdick Commission, and 
its reports and words of commendation from the camp 
authorities evidence the quality of the work, and the 
esteem in which it is held. This report is also entered as 
the war service rendered by The League for Service. 

The most active and definite war service of the Wom- 
an's National League for Service has been rendered by 
the Motor Corps of Montgomery, under the direction of 
Mrs. W. J. Hannah, the League Chairman of Montgomery 
County. 

The Motor Corps consists of 70 active, 30 reserve, and 
55 auxiliary members, in charge of the following officers : 
Captain, Mrs. Fred S. Ball; Lieutenant, Mrs. W. H. Le- 
grande; Lieutenant, Mrs. J. Gaston Greil; sixteen ser- 
geants. Its first service was to the Base Hospital. Con- 
valescent soldiers have been given an automobile ride 
twice each week. The number taken on these drives, to 



62 ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 

date, approximates 1,700, an average of about 100 a week. 

Transportation to the Base Hospital has also been fur- 
nished for relatives of sick soldiers who were unable to 
buy transportation, for singers to assist in the Sabbath 
afternoon Y. M. C. A. services, for visitors to distribute 
books, dainties to eat, and flowers contributed by local 
florists. 

The United States Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert 
Oleson, pronounced the services of the Corps invaluable 
in his various lines of work. Daily visits to the malarial 
districts have been made. Promptly at nine o'clock every 
morning a motor driver reports at headquarters and fur- 
nishes transportation from one to three hours, distribut- 
ing the proper medicines and milk to the sick. 

The American Red Cross has received special consider- 
ation, and many other patriotic causes have been helped, 
including War Savings Stamps, Girls Protective Work, 
Juvenile Court, and Farewell parade for Alabama sol- 
diers. During a convention of the War Camp Community 
Secretaries, all of them were driven to, and throughout 
Camp Sheridan. 

The following letter shows the valuation placed upon 
this work by the camp authorities : 

"To the Captain of the Motor Corps. 

"Dear Madam: — I beg to express the deep apprecia- 
tion of the entire hospital staflf of the splendid work your 
corps is doing for the convalescent soldiers of this hospi- 
tal. It is very deeply appreciated by the entire medical 
staff as well as by the convalescent patients themselves. 
"Yours very respectfully, 

"Leigh A. Fuller, 
"Colonel Medical Corps." 

Another avenue through which the League for Service 
has rendered most valuable assistance is the Girls' Patri- 
otic League. Beginning with only a small membership, 



ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 63 

the Girls' Pa4:riotic League now has 150 names on its 
roll. 

Among the League's first activities were the making of 
comfort kits for the boys in the Army and Navy; col- 
lection of 100 glasses of jelly, jam and preserves, which 
had been donated to the Base Hospital, giving dances and 
affairs to raise funds for the League. The members 
pledged themselves to work at the Red Cross rooms two 
days of each week. The League helped through a tag 
day in the collection of a fund which went toward wool 
for outfits for the boys on the S. S. Alabama. Throughout 
the war period this organization has given a helping hand 
to every campaign, and by many clever expedients have 
raised funds for the various causes. A constructive work 
in which they engaged was the assistance given the Girls' 
Protective Workers in their welfare work among girls in 
Montgomery. 

United Daughters of the Confederacy, President Mrs. 
J. A. Rountree, Birmingham — Nine beds in American 
Military Hospital No. 1, Neuilly, France, were contributed 
as follows : 

Alabama Division, U. D. C, in memory of Raphael 
Semmes, one; Alabama Division, U. D. C, in memory 
Alabama Boys 1861-1865, one; Electra Semmes Colston 
Chapter, U. D. C, Mobile, in memory of Father Ryan, 
poet, priest, soldier, one; Woman's Division Council 
of Defense, in memory of the bravery of Alabama boys in 
the American Expeditionary Forces, endowed six beds. 
Others donated units as follows: Selma Woman's Coun- 
cil, two; Marion Junction Chapter, one; Orrville Chap- 
ter, one ; Benton Chapter, one ; Woman's Committee from 
State at large, one. 

Hospital garments made by U. D. C. members 825,782 

Surgical dressings made by U. D. C. members 27,971 

Knitted articles made by U. D. C. members 1,280 

Amount contributed to Red Cross Chapters $2,467.00 

Amount contributed to Belgian Orphans (511)... 5,333.00 



64 ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 

U. D. C. Chapter, Anniston, has care of a ward in Base 
Hospital. 

U. D. C. Chapter, Anniston, has care of government 
cemetery, and places marble head stones over all graves. 

Mobile, Electra Semmes Colston Chapter, was sponsor 
for Soldiers and Sailors' Club, established by Fosdick 
Commission, and Mrs. W. S. Pugh, President of Chapter, 
is President of the Club Association. 

The Suffrage Association of Alabama conducted the 
campaign for registration under the State chairman, Mrs. 
J. B. Parke, of Selma, which was so successfully accom- 
plished that it proved a practical economic factor in meet- 
ing the industrial problems of the larger cities. 

The activity of the W. C. T. U. President, Mrs. W. H. 
Jeffries, has been identical with the report on Moral Con- 
servation. 

The Alabama Federation of Music Clubs has thrown 
the power and force of its organization into the task of 
stirring the patriotism of the people by community sings, 
and by ministering to the pleasure, comfort and happiness 
of the soldiers in Alabama camps. The value of this 
work cannot be estimated by dollars and cents, although 
thousands of dollars have been generously spent in the 
prosecution of it. 

Other State organizations report that they have not pre- 
served their identity in war work, but as individuals have 
given of their time and talents unstintedly. While a num- 
ber of State organizations have not responded to the re- 
quest for an annual report, we can testify that they have 
not been idle in the great war activities. 

Believing that, other things being equal, that country 
would win whose women showed intelligence and ef- 
ficiency as well as devotion and patriotism, the women 
of the State have had as their goal "efficient, loyal, un- 
bounded service," and we feel that in some measure we 
have helped to speed the day of victory. 



REPORT OF STATE WAR HISTORIAN. 



By Db. Thomas M. Owen, Director, 
Alabama State Department Archives and History. 

The office of State War Historian, as one of the activi- 
ties of the Alabama Council of Defense, dates from the 
formal action of the executive committee, September 13, 
1918. At that time it was decided to enter upon the work 
of preserving the records and memorials of Alabama sol- 
diers and Alabama activities in the European War, and 
the writer of this report was unanimously elected as State 
War Historian. The official notice of appointment, com- 
municated by Hon. Lloyd M. Hooper, bears date Septem- 
ber 20, 1918. The appointment was accepted on the same 
day, and immediately active steps were taken to prose 
cute the work. 

The recognition of the value and importance of pre- 
serving the records, not only of Alabamians in uniform, 
but also of the activities of the voluntary welfare and 
patriotic organizations of the State in support of the war, 
as indicated by the appointment of the Director of the 
Department as State War Historian, not only emphasizes 
the wisdom of the work which had already been so suc- 
cessfully undertaken, but it meant the strengthening of 
the effort by bringing to the aid of the Director, the pow- 
erful influence of the State and County Councils of De- 
fense, and authorized the appointment of a local War His- 
torian in every county. 

ACTIVITIES OF THE ARCHIVES AND HISTORY DEPARTMENT. 

Inasmuch as the Alabama State Department of Ar- 
chives and History has been active, since 1914, in the per- 
formance of practically all of the duties as is now ex- 

S ACD 



66 ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 

pected of the State War Historian, it is proper to review 
what has been done by that agency. Immediately follow- 
ing the outbreak of hostilities between the great European 
Powers in 1914, plans were matured by the Department 
for the accumulation of materials bearing upon the strug- 
gle, particularly including current periodicals, newspaper 
files, and pamphlets. When the United States responded 
to the call of humanity, as well as in vindication of its 
own position as a world power, and united its fortunes 
with the Allies on April 6, 1917, the Department was 
already prepared to care for all records of the war activi- 
ties of our country, and particularly of the part of Ala- 
bama and Alabamians in that struggle. 

The rapid organization of Government agencies, such 
as new bureaus, committees, and voluntary welfare 
agencies, was followed by carefully planned publicity 
campaigns. Prompt steps were taken to regularly secure 
all Government publications, as well as all of the publica- 
tions of non-official organizations. There was a ready 
response to our call. Resulting from our collecting activ- 
ity every Government department, and volunteer organi- 
zation is represented in the Department collection, by 
practically full sets of all of their publications, including 
laws, reports, bulletins, miscellaneous pamphlets, posters, 
etc. 

In addition to the issues of the Alabama newspaper 
press, full sets of all Army and Navy official and un- 
official periodicals were secured, including the Army and 
Navy Register, Army and Navy Journal, Infantry Jour- 
nal, Field Artillery Journal, etc. In the collection many 
general periodicals, as Current History, The Nation, The 
New Republic, The Outlook and numerous others have 
been carefully preserved. Complete files of the New 
York Times, the Boston Transcript and the Washington 
Post were secured by subscription. 



ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE G7 

From time to time numerous additions to the Historical 
and Reference Library of the Department were made by 
the purchase of books bearing on the war. Many were 
also secured by gift or exchange. The publications of 
many of the State Councils of Defense were also sent us. 

OUTLINE OF NEW ACTIVITIES. 

At the outset it is proper to get first a clear general 
conception of the functions of the State War Historian. 
Briefly stated his task is to bring together all printed ma- 
terials bearing either upon the European War generally, 
or on Alabama's participation therein, to compile the per- 
sonnel record of every officer and enlisted man on the rolls 
from Alabama, to collect portraits, photographs and views 
of Alabama men and war activities, to prepare full and 
exhaustive sketches of all military and welfare activities 
in the State, and to accumulate a representative and il- 
lustrative collection of relics bearing upon the struggle. 
Therefore, plans have been perfected to accomplish the 
foregoing in accordance with the following outline : 

1. Personnel Records. — The individual records of all 
Alabama men, engaged in the military and navaj service 
of the United States, whether as members of the regular 
army establishment, or of the national guard, or volun- 
teers through the various recruiting offices, or commis- 
sioned by the several Reserve Officers' Training Camps,* 
or enrolled through the selective draft, or admitted 
through the Student Army Training Corps, are of first 
importance. The task of making up these records is a 
very difficult one, and it will be obviously impossible to 
properly complete them without access to the records of 
the United States War and Navy Departments. That ac- 
cess cannot be had for some time to come. However, from 
various sources a 5x8 inch card index in triplicate is being- 
compiled, one for a general alphabetical list, another for 
a county file, and another for an organization record. 



68 ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 

The sources include memorial volumes of individual 
units, published in book or pamphlet form, lists in the 
newspapers, casualty records appearing in the Official 
United States Bulletin, lists from the several city, county 
and district draft records, and those institutions serving 
as S. A. T. C. stations. The original headquarters rec- 
ords of the old First Alabama Brigade have been deposit- 
ed by Brigadier General R. E. Steiner, with the Alabama 
State Department of Archives and History. They do not 
contain rosters, but they afford many facts, including fur- 
loughs, discharges, etc. 

More or less elaborate biographical sketches of officers 
and men are to be obtained as far as possible. They will 
be secured from survivors themselves, and from the fam- 
ilies of those who have met the supreme call. 

Clippings of all personal references to Alabama men 
during the period of the war as found in the Birmingham 
Age-Herald, the Birmingham Ledger, the Birmingham 
Neivs, the Mobile News-Item, the Mobile Register, the 
Montgomery Advertiser, the Montgomery Journal, the 
Montgomery Times, and from many county papers, have 
been made. These are kept, properly labeled and dated, 
in envelopes, with the general card index file, thus render- 
ing them instantly available. 

Later it is hoped that the complete records of every 
character, preserved in the several Government Depart- 
ments, will be opened to us, and as soon as this is done, the 
Alabama record will be completed. 

It is not improbable that recommendations will be made 
during the coming session of the Legislature for an accu- 
rate and complete census, by counties, of all Alabama sol- 
diers in the European War. 

2. Military Stations in Alabama. — In Alabama, recruit- 
ing offices have been operated from time to time in Bir- 
mingham, Mobile and Montgomery. Two great Army 



ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 69 

camps, Camp McClellan at Anniston, and Camp Sheridan 
at Montgomery, were early established. An Aviation 
camp known as Taylor Field, an Aviation Repair Depot, 
and a Remount Station were established at Montgomery. 
Fort Morgan on Mobile Bay has been a post for the train- 
ing of Coast Artillery. Sketches of these posts or stations 
are being officially compiled, to be accompanied by plans, 
photographs and views. 

3. Alabama Council of Defense. — Alabama has been 
fortunate in having a well-organized State Council of 
Defense, with County Councils of Defense, a Woman's 
Department, and various subsidiary organizations. The 
history of this organization is being compiled, and all of 
its records will be kept intact. 

4. Federal Government Activities. — The Food Admin- 
istration, the Fuel Administration, the United States 
Employment Service, the School Garden Army and many 
other federal activities have had branches in the State, 
all under the direction of capable leaders. The achieve- 
ments and personnel of these organizations will be the 
subjects of separate records. 

5. Volunteer Organizations. — The welfare and morale 
building organizations in operation in the State have done 
a wonderful work, and definite and detailed records of 
their achievements will be preserved. These include the 
Red Cross, the Young Men's Christian Association, the 
Young Women's Christian Association, the Library War 
Service of the American Library Association, the War 
Camp Community Service, the Knights of Columbus, the 
Jewish Welfare Board, the National League for Service, 
and numerous minor activities. 

6. Printed Materials. — As indicated above, an effort 
will be made to secure every book or pamphlet bearing 
in any way even remotely upon th6 war. These include 



70 ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 

special periodical publications, also the issues of all of 
the groups above named, and a complete collection of 
technical Military and Naval books. 

7. Miscellaneous. — In addition to all of the foregoing, 
other agencies, as chambers of commerce, boards of trade, 
other civic organizations, patriotic societies, women's 
clubs, and scores of industrial plants in Alabama have 
made their contribution to the successful on-going of the 
war. A definite and accurate report of all of these activi- 
ties will be compiled. 

COUNTY HISTORIANS. 

County Historians are expected to co-operate with the 
State War Historian in carrying out the plans outlined 
for his work, and at the same time to preserve the records 
of their counties for local use. Details of co-operation 
have not been fully worked out, and organization has not 
been perfected in all counties. In those counties where 
appointments have been accepted, however, there is much 
enthusiasm on the part of County Historians, and good 
results can be expected. Early announcement will be 
made of further plans. 

PUBLICATION. 

Owing to difficulties in perfecting the personnel rec- 
ords of Alabama men, no effort should be made to publish 
rosters, at least for the present. It appears practicable, 
however, to publish a preliminary outline of all general 
war activities in Alabama, together with such records 
as can be secured of the distinguished services of those 
units in which Alabamians were represented in the Amer- 
ican Expeditionary Forces. Perhaps casualty records 
also will be so far complete as to admit of early publica- 
tion in collected form. 



ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 71 

CONCLUSION. 

Completeness will be the keyword in the execution of 
the task of making up the record. 

It is believed that there will be general co-operation 
on the part of all the people of the State. So far no one 
has declined to render all possible assistance. The news- 
papers have been generous in the matter of publicity. 
Their news columns are filled with many details concern- 
ing the participation of Alabamians in the war, casualty 
lists are given in full, and interviews are secured from 
returning officers and men as far as possible. Their edi- 
torial columns contain appeals for the careful preserva- 
tion of all records. 

It is believed that Alabama has met the full measure 
of her duty to the cause of world liberty, and it will be 
our task to preserve the details of that record in all their 
splendid fullness. 



U. S. FOOD ADMINISTRATION FOR ALABAMA 



By Robert H. Mangum, Educational Director. 

On the tenth day of August, 1917, Richard M. Hobbie, 
of Montgomery, Alabama, was appointed by United States 
Food Administrator Herbert Hoover, Federal Food Ad- 
ministrator for the State of Alabama. Some three months 
previously Mr. Hobbie, a man of large business interests 
and experience, had been sent to Washington by Governor 
Charles Henderson in response to a request from Secre- 
tary of War Baker that a representative from Alabama 
be named to confer with Mr. Hoover in reference to the 
important matter of food control during the war, and had 
attended many conferences looking to, and been in close 
touch with the preparation and passage of, legislation on 
that subject. Being thus familiar with the situation, he 
began at once to build up the organization which has 
developed to the proportions outlined below. 

Prof. Thomas Bragg, of the Alabama Polytechnic In- 
stitute, was appointed Executive Secretary and the work 
of securing pledge cards from the housewives of the 
State, organizing the food distributors of the State and 
informing the public of the plans and purposes of the 
U. S. Food Administration was at once gotten under way. 
In this work practically all organizations in the State 
were called upon for assistance, as well as a large num- 
ber of individual citizens, both men and women. In all 
instances a cheerful and patriotic response was made to 
the request of Federal Food Administrator Hobbie. Ala- 
bama ranked high among the states in the number of 
pledge cards signed in proportion to population. 

From the beginning, the energies of the organization 
as a whole have been constantly directed to, and exercised 



ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 73 

in, the fundamental work of inspiring and fostering a 
sacrificial consciousness in the people of Alabama toward 
economy in the use of food and conservation of all food 
and feed stuffs. This work has been carried on unceas- 
ingly through the mediums of hundreds of public meet- 
ings addressed by the Federal Food Administrator or 
members of the organization; the distribution of large 
quantities of carefully prepared booklets, pamphlets, pos- 
ters, recipes and practical suggestions for the use of all 
persons engaged in handling food and feed stuffs in any 
form or manner; the free publication by the newspapers 
of hundreds of columns of news items, rules, regulations, 
and appeals to the people ; the maintenance by the public 
libraries of special tables of reading matter relating to 
food and its part in winning the war ; the constant co-op- 
eration and help of practically all organized bodies in the 
State, such as the teachers and school children, ministers 
of all religious denominations, fraternal organizations, 
women's clubs, patriotic societies, the agents of the Exten- 
sion Service of the U. S. Department of Agriculture, the 
Alabama Sunday School Association, the wholesale and 
retail merchants, brokers, and handlers of produce, the 
traveling men, the Alabama Council of Defense through 
its state and local organizations, and the loyal support of 
thousands of patriotic citizens. 

Tendencies towards profiteering and hoarding have 
been held in check by means of the license system, reports 
both regular and special through food distributors, inspec- 
tions by representatives and officials of the Food Admin- 
istration, the constant watchfulness of the county food 
administrators and their assistants, and the enforcement 
of penalties where laws and regulations were wilfully 
disregarded. 

It is a matter of pride to the Food Administration in 
Alabama that it has been compelled to resort to penaliza- 



74 ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 

tion in only a comparatively small number of cases. In 
all such cases it has been the earnest endeavor of the 
Federal Food Administrator and the Legal Division to 
attempt not merely to penalize, but to awaken the patri- 
otic conscience of offenders and win from them a cordial 
and sincere support. This effort has been successful to a 
very great extent. 

The records of the Food Administration in Alabama 
show that the people of the State as a whole have re- 
sponded to every call made upon them by the government 
through the Food Administration. Food crops have been 
increased, economy in the use of food has prevailed, 
wheatless and meatless days so long as in force were gen- 
erally observed and the substitute rules were so closely 
followed that the State cut its consumption of wheat flour 
to a most gratifying figure. 

Since the signing of the armistice and the consequent 
relaxation of special rules and regulations, the efforts of 
the administration have been directed toward informing 
the people of existing food conditions throughout the 
world and the necessity for continued conservation until 
the devastated nations may have opportunity to begin the 
raising of food crops. At the same time the laws against 
hoarding and profiteering are being vigorously enforced. 
This work will be continued until legal peace is declared 
and the Food Administration thereby discontinued. 



I 



UNITED STATES FOOD ADMINISTRATION 



ORGANIZATION FOR ALABAMA. 

Offices : Tenth Floor Bell Buh^ding, 
Montgomery, Alabama, 

Richard M. Hobbie, 
Federal Food Administrator for Alabama 

D, E. Laslie Executive Secretary 

(Succeediug Tlios. Bragg, who resigned to accept commission in 

United States Army) 

R. H. Mangum Educational Director 

George K. Wright Director of Sugar Division 

R. I). Quiseuberry Director of Bakeries and Ice Division 

E. F, Boone Director of Auditing 

Succeediug W. W. Haralson, resigned 

Judge E. Perry Thomas Chief Council of Legal Division 

Luoien S. Loeb Director of Distribution 

Resigned to accept commission in U. S. Army 

E. C. Taylor Director Hotels and Public Eating Places 

J. M. Moore Director of Poultry and Egg Division 

B. H. Cooper Director of Price Publications 

Julius Hammel State Merchants Representative 

Dr. Thomas M. Owen Director of Libraries 

Miss Mary Feminear Director of Home Economics 

Mrs. C. H. Ohme Director of College Volunteers 

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE FOR REGISTRATION. 

W. F. Feagin, R. H. McCaslin, 

H. T. Bartlett, W. T. Sheehan, 

Harry Weil, Mrs. J. F. Hooper. 

COUNTY FOOD ADMINISTRATORS. 

Autauga Judge C. E. Thomas 

Baldwin L. T. Rhodes 

(Succeeding J. S. Lambert, resigned) 

Barbour W. L. Wild 

Bibb W. W. Lavender 



76 ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 

Blount Judge J. F. Keltou 

Bullock Judge S. P. Kainer 

Butler C. F. Winklev 

(Succeeding H. D. Lampley, resigned) 

Chambers Chas. S. Moon 

Calhoun -C. H. Young 

Cherokee Judge Thos. Bradford 

Chilton Judge L. H. Reynolds 

Choctaw Judge W. H. Lindsey 

Clarke Miss Carrie Kimbrough 

(Succeeding A. B. Tucker, resigned) 
Clay W. A. Kitchens 

(Succeeding M. L. Adair, resigned) 

Cleburne J. R- Barker 

Coffee J- P. Rawls 

(Succeeding F. P. Rainer, resigned) 

Colbert -'- M. S. Hansbrough 

(Succeeding G. E. Roulhac, resigned; succeeding J. D. Rather, 

resigned) 

Conecuh C. P. Demiug 

Coosa Charles S. Bentley 

(Succeeding B. Z. Henry, resigned) 

Covington Charles Baker 

Crenshaw Geo. H. Smith 

(Succeeding T. A. Capps, resigned) 

Cullman J- C. McConnell 

Dale Dr. H. B. Bowling 

Dallas J- B. Ellis 

DeKalb Judge A. P. Croley 

Elmore A. Hoheuberg 

Escambia W. M. Murray 

Etowah A. M. Taylor 

(Succeeding Hugh White, resigned to enter Army) 
Fayette T. A. Wilson 

(Succeeding Alex. Smith, resigned) 

Franklin W. H. Key 

Geneva Judge P. C. Black 

Greene A. P. Smith 

Hale C. T. StoUenwerck 

Henry Dr. S. O. Kelly 

(Succeeding E. C. Glover, resigned) 
Houston W. R. Chapman 



ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENCE 77 

Jacksou Virgil Bouldiu 

Jefferson Paul H. Earle 

(Succeeding Frank Spain, resigned to accept commission in U. S. 
Army; succeeding Spier Wliii taker, resigned to go to Wash- 
ington as assistant to Alien Property Custodian) 

Lamar J. A. Hankins 

Lauderdale , O. L, Chambers 

(Succeeding C. W. Ashcraft, resigned) 

Lawrence Hector D. Lane 

Lee Jolin J. Banks 

(Succeeding John V. Denson. resigned to accept commission in 
r. s. Army) 

Limestone R. H. Richardson 

(Succeeding Mrs. R. II. Richardson, resigned) 

Lowndes A. B. Hall 

(Succeeding Judge J. C. Wood, deceased) 

Macon T. R. White 

(Succeeding D. E. Laslie. resigned to accept position as Executive 
Secretary r. S. Food Administration in Alabama) 

Madison Col. W. F. Garth 

Marion C. W. Fredericks 

Marengo C. C. Clay 

Marshall O. D. Street 

Mobile John Craft 

Montgomery Maxie D. Pepperman 

(Succeeding Ralph Qnisenlerry, resigned to accept position as 
Director of Bakeries and Ice) 

Morgan W. B. Edmundsou 

(Succeeding W. T. Lowe, of Decatur, resigned) 

Perry J. M. Moore 

Pickens John W. Dowdle 

Pike Mrs. J. M. Sanders 

Randolph J. X. Word 

Russell H. E. Hutcheson 

Monroe C. L. Hybart 

(Succeeding M. R. Sowell, resigned) 

Shelby E. M. Holcombe 

St. Clair ;J. A. Embry 

(Succeeding George W. Floyd, resigned) 

Sumter W. H. Coleman 

(Succeeding John H. Rogers, resigned) 
Talladega Judge E. A. Hammett 



78 ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 

Tallapoosa Harry Herzfeld 

Tuscaloosa Frank S. Moody 

Walker L. B. Mnsgrove 

Washington T. J. Dees 

(Succeeding P.. N. Southerland, resigned) 

Wilcox Judge P. M. Dannelly 

Winston A. B, Curtis 

FEDERAL FOOD BOARDS (PRICE INTERPRETING) 

Greenville L. D. Metcalf, Chairman 

Ira Y. Trawick L. J. Beeland 

E. 11. Winkler C. II. Thompson 

Anniston O. A. Hilton, Chairman 

J. W. Alexander M. Y. Swift 

J. A. Sewell T. B. Tau'ier 

J. T. Brooks M. F. Snider 

L. L. Scarbrough J. F. Moore 

Sheffield Phillip Olim, Chairman 

H. C. Karg J. O. Harris 

F. J. Redmond A, C. Braden 
W. E. Long 

Cullman - George Ponder, Chairman 

J. M. Kinney John F. Allgood 

C. C. Whatley Eugene Styles 

C. Deppe Frank Gladney 

Birmingham J. B. Keith, Chairman 

(Jeo. W. Edwards E. H. Mills 

James Hill Paul H. Earle 

Chas. H. Lane 

Ozark H. A, W. Martin, ChainnMii 

M, O. Carroll Prof. R. L. Hutto 

M. P. Skipper O. A. C. Acru 

J. A. Smith Thos. Borland 

W. C. Miz7e!l R. J. Beverfllf 

H. B. Dowliug 



ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DLFEXSE 70 

<;adsdfii „ S. S. Caldwell. Chairman 

Morris Ford Carl Lay 

T. B. GiUam Chas. West 

R. W. Camp H. B. Copelaud 

Dotbaii S. A. Stapleton, Chairmn n 

G. S. Jackson Davis & Campbell 

A. D. Ussery G. E. Jackson 

A. D. Whiddou S. O. Smith 

S. E. Gellerstedt 

Florence H. P. Lucas. '. hairman 

D. L. Harrison R. T. Stewart 

J. M. Bryant Earle Jackson 

Opelika L. M. Trawick, Chairman 

Wood Dozier A. L. Dowdell 

R. L. Samford B. F. Burton 

A. C. HiU-rison C. G. Littleton 

Albany T. M. Faust, Chairman 

W. B. EdmundbX)ii B. E. Johnson 

J. H. Calvin T. M. Dix 

F. H. Pointer IL N. Binford 

J. F. Dillahay 

Troy W. C. Black, Chairman 

Lamar Jernigan Emory Folmar 

McLeod Darby Clem Henderson 

Josh L. Copeliind John W. Bowers 

Mobile H. A, Forcheimer, Chairman 

Herbert Lyons J. S. Shaw 

R. W. Ogburn R. M. Weinacker 

J. D. Logan Eai'le Marshall 

Talladega T. M. Long, Chairman 

L. T. Hubbard A. G. Story 

J. A. Nelson F. T. Oglesby 

Sylacauga J. H. Lane, Chairman 

C. W. Hammett C. C. Polk 

Miles Motes Chas. Greer 



80 ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 

Tuscaloosa John M. Burchfield, Chairman 

F. A. DeVere Cliff Atkinson 

F. S. Moody D. B. Robertson 

E. R. Montgomery Henry Foster 

Samuel Jackson A. L. Mussa 

Montgomery E. L. Marx, Chairman 

A. Livingston F. H. Sellers 

J. Bownuin J. B. Brice 

J. L. Bn.>fl J. S. Hliirley 



NATIONAL WAR SAVINGS COMMITTEE FOR 
ALABAMA 



By Crawford Johnson, State Director. 

The work for the sale of War Savings Stamps was 
commenced in the State of Alabama November 1, 1917, 
the first stamps being placed on sale December 1, 1917. 

The purpose of the sale of War Savings Stamps was 
not primarily to raise a large sum of money for the gov- 
ernment, but more especially to inculcate habits of thrift 
and economy in the minds of those citizens that hereto- 
fore had been more concerned with spending than with 
saving, and at the same time to impress upon them the 
necessity of not taxirg the facilities of the country, thus 
leaving them free to be used for the winning of the great 
war. 

That it was not especially a plan for raising money is 
clearly indicated by the fact that no one person, firm or 
corporation is permitted to own more than one thousand 
dollars (maturity value) of War Savings Stamps, whereas 
the only limit to ownership of other government securities 
is one's ability to pay therefor. 

The organization first interested itself in the forming 
of W^ar Savings Societies, especially among the schools of 
the State. This work was given the greatest of assistance 
by the Superintendent of State Schools, and by a great 
majority of the principals of the schools throughout the 
State. Today a veritable army of young savers exists 
among the school children, and no small amount of the 
War Savings Stamps sold in the State has come from the 
school children, and those whom they have influenced to 
save. 

The sale of War Savings Stamps has been very differ- 
ent from the sale of other securities, and the raising of 



S2 ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 

funds of other war activities in that the "drives" for the 
latter have been completed in a few weeks at most, but 
the work of the War Savings organization has lasted 
through the year, thereby calling for much more work on 
the part of its members than is the case with any other 
work. 

At this time th« sale of War Savings Stamps in the 
State has reached about twelve million dollars (maturity 
value) , but there are still unredeemed pledges amounting 
to about twenty million dollars (maturity value), which 
we believe will be taken up before the end of the year. 

Too much credit for the success of this work cannot be 
given to Mrs. Richard F. Johnston, Chairman of the 
Women's Division for the State, and to Mr. Robert W. 
Ewing (deceased), State Chairman of Retail Merchants' 
Division. 

Mrs. Johnston has given almost her entire time to this 
work for the past seven months, and has organized thor- 
oughly the women in almost every county in the State. 

Mr. Ewing left his business at the time of his appoint- 
ment, and until taken off by Spanish influenza, gave all of 
his time to this work. So completely did he organize the 
retail merchants of the State that at the time of his death 
Alabama stood among the first in regard to sales agents. 

The various county chairmen and their committees 
have worked without compensation, and in most cases 
have given their own funds to defray necessary expenses. 
Their .work calls for the greatest appreciation because of 
the fact that in most cases they were not only doing this 
particular work but from their prominence in their com- 
munities were called upon to bear the brunt of most all 
of the other war work. 

The amount of money that has been raised by the work 
of this organization would be considered enormous in 
normal times, but its success cannot be measured in terms 
of money. By its work it has assisted materially in the 



ALABAMA COUIsCIL OF DEFENSE 83 

sale of Liberty Bonds of every issue since this work com- 
menced, and in the raising of funds for the Red Cross, 
the Y. M. C. A., the French Orphans' Relief, the United 
War Fund, and all of the other war activities. 

But the greatest thing it has done is to teach, within 
the year, more than four hundred thousand of the twenty- 
three hundred thousand people of Alabama to SAVE, and 
to invest their savings in the obligations of their govern- 
ment, that by so doing we might quickly end the awful 
slaughter of men and destruction of material. What a 
difference this will make in the people of our State, not 
just for the period of the war, but for all time to come. 
The seeds we have sown are bound to bring forth good 
fruit. Thrift makes healthy, happy, law-abiding people. 
Thrift makes thinking people. Thrift makes educated, 
and religious people, and such people make a State worth 
living in and m ronntry worth dying for. 



NATIONAL WAR SAVINGS COMMITTEE FOR THE 
STATE OF ALABAMA 



state Director Crawford Johnson, Biriuingliam, Ala, 

Vice-State Director James W. Donnelly, Birmingham, Ala. 

State Director of Retail Merchants Division 

Robert W. Ewing (dec), Birmingham, Ala. 

State Director of Women's Division 

Mrs. Richard F. Johnston. Birmingham, Ala. 

Publicity Director John Sparrow, Birmingham, Ala. 

Executive Secretary John J. Bowers, Birmingham, Ala. 

State Executive Committee. 

Hon. Charles Henderson, Governor Montgomery 

J. Kirkmau Jackson Birmingham 

Mrs. J. F. Hooper Selma 

Mrs. Solon Jacobs Birmingham 

Spright Dowell, Superintendent of Education Montgomery 

Mrs. L. M. Bashinsky Troy 

Richard M. Hobbie, U. S. Food Administrator for Alabama. ...Montg'y 

Mrs. John Tilley Montgomery 

Dr. C. C. Thach Auburn 

Dr. George H. Denny Tuscaloosa 

Dr. T. W. Palmer Montevallo 

A. E. Walker Birmingham 

J. A. Wade, Commissioner of Agriculture Montgomery 

Di-. Robert R. Moton Tuskegee 

John L. Kaul Birmingham 

Albert P. Bush Mobile 

CouiMTY Chaibman 
County and City. County Chairman. 

Autauga— Prattville J. G. Duncan, Jr. 

Baldwin — Bay Minette J. S. Lambert 

Baldwin — Fair Hope Wm. Mcintosh 

Barbour — Eufaula Charles McDowell 

Bibb— West Blocton W. R. Young 

Blount— Oneonta Z. E. Bellah 

Bullock — Union Springs Hugh Foster 

Butler — Greenville Claud S. Hamilton 

Calhoun — Anniston * E. L. Rivers 



ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 85 

County and City. County Chairman. 

Chambers — Langdale A. C. Boyd 

Cherokee — Center C. B. Sims 

Chilton — Clanton Lawrence Gerald 

Choctaw — Riderwood E. E. Todd 

Clark— Grove Hill J. F, Gillis 

Clay — Lineville C. N. Lanier 

Cleburne— Hefliu W. B. Merrill 

Coffee — Enterprise L. H. Sessions 

Coffee— Elba (Div.) Y. W. Rainer 

Colbert— Sheffield V. Asbury 

Colbert— Tuscumbia W. F. Miller 

Conecuh — Evergreen Ed. C. Barnes 

Coosa — Goodwater J. S. Gilliland 

Coosa— Rockford (Div.) F. L. Smith 

Covington — Andalusia W. S. Simmons 

Crenshaw — Luverne J, M. Cody 

Cullman— Cullman S. J. Griffin 

Dale— Ozark W. M. Head 

Dallas — Selma E. C. Melvm 

DeKalb — Fort Payne J. M. Tucker 

Elmore — Wetumpka S. B. Reneau 

Elmore — Wetumpka F. H. Moore 

Escambia — Brewton John R. Miller 

Etowah — Gadsden B. W. Pruet 

Fayette — Fayette E. E. Thomason 

Franklin — Russellville J. W. Partridge 

Geneva — Hartford B. H. Boyd 

Greene — Eutaw B. B. Barnes 

Hale — Greensboro H. A. Taylor 

Henry — Abbeville C. H. Strickland 

Houston — Dothan W. R. Chapman 

.Jackson — Scottsboro Virgil Bouldin 

Jackson — Stevenson (Div.) W. R. Bogart 

.Jackson — Paint Rock (Div.) J. E. Jones 

Jefferson — Birmingham J. Mercer Barnett 

Jefferson — Birmingham (City) J. H. Loveman 

Jefferson — Bessemer (City) Andrew C. Mitchell 

Jefferson— Wylam (City) Dr. F. W. McDonald 

Lamar — Vernon W. C. Johnson 

Lauderdale — Florence S. W. Frierson 

r^awrence — Courtland H. B. Hall 



86 ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 

Lee— Opelika I. j. Dorsey 

Limestone— Athens Miss Mary E. Masou 

Lowndes— Fort Deposit Joseph Norwood 

Macon— Tuskegee j. h. Drakeford 

Madison — Huntsville T. W. Pratt 

Marengo— Demopolis Jesse B. Hearin 

Marshall — Guntersville O. D. Street 

Marion — Hamilton E, b. Fite 

Mobile— Mobile p. b. Dorian 

Monroe — Monroeville D. D. Mims 

Montgomery— Montgomery Walter B. Jones 

Morgan— Decatur j. w. Cunningham 

Perry— Marion j. a. Hendrix 

Perry— Marion A. F. Armstrong 

Pickens — Carrollton A. E. Bell 

Pike— Troy L. M. Bashinsky 

Randolph— Wedowee Judge John T. Heflin 

Russell— Seale .* F. M. deGraffenreid 

St. Clair— Pell City T. H. Rennie 

St. Clair— Ash ville (Div.) Jas. S. McLendon 

Shelby— Calera r. l. Holcombe 

Sumter — Livingston H. L. Mellen 

Talladega— Talladega John C. Williams 

Tallapoosa— Alexander City J. H. Henderson 

Tallapoosa— Alexander City J. C. Maxwell 

Tuscaloosa — Tuscaloosa j. t. Home 

Tuscaloosa — Tuscaloosa S. F. Clabaugh 

Walker— Jasper A. S. Preston 

Washington — Carson r. d. Palmer 

Wilcox — Camden E. W. Berry 

Winston— Double Springs Judge John S. Curtis 



UNITED STATES SCHOOL GARDEN ARMY 



By E. E. Smith, State Director. 

The United States School Garden Army was organized 
in March, 1918. President Wilson set aside $50,000 from 
his National Security and Defense Appropriation to pro- 
mote the work for the first six months. He has smce ap- 
propriated $200,000 more to carry the work through an- 
other ten months. 

Two main purposes prompted the planning of the 
United States School Garden Army : (a) Increased food 
production and (b) training of school children in thrift, 
industry, service, patriotism, and responsibility. The 
necessity for manpower was being felt. This was espe- 
cially true in agricultural pursuits. Drafted young men 
were going from the farm. Great numbers of farm em- 
ployes were being attracted to the cities by higher wages 
offered in other industries. If the millions of city boys 
and girls could be induced to give their leisure time to 
cultivating the thousands of acres of untilled land m front 
and back yards and vacant lots of our cities, towns and 
villages, it would result in a substantial increase m food 
production and an immediate improvement in the quality 
of our coming citizenship. 

The Bureau of Education undertook to accomplish this 
through the organization of the United States School Gar- 
den Army. It is an educational problem and can be solved 
with economy and efficiency only by the schools. 

The plan of organization involves (a) a general direc- 
tor who is responsible for organization, propaganda, and 
administration, (b) Regional directors who are charged 
with the responsibility of writing instructions upon gar- 
dening that will enable teachers and supervisors to take a 



88 ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 

garden company successfully through a season, even 
though not expert gardeners, (c) Assistant regional di- 
rectors who work under the regional director, and whose 
duties are similar to those of the regional director except- 
ing that of writing garden leaflets, (d) Co-operation 
with State Council of Defense through a State representa- 
tive appointed by them, (e) The Army plan of organizing 
school boys and girls into companies of 150 or less under 
the direction of a garden teacher, a captain, first lieuten- 
ant and second lieutenant, (f ) An insignia for each en- 
listed soldier. A double bronze bar for the captain, single 
bronze bar with two stars in the border for the first lieu- 
tenant, and one star for the second lieutenantj and a 
combination bronze and black enameled bar for privates. 

Dr. J. H. Francis is director of the United States 
School Garden Army. Mr. John L. Randall is regional 
director of the South Atlantic States. Miss Jennie Burkes 
is assistant regional director for Alabama and Missis- 
sippi. This far the appropriation by the President ex- 
tends. These officers are now in charge of their respec- 
tive territories and are organizing the work. The State 
Council of Defense has appointed as its representative 
E. E. Smith for Alabama. The State Council in this way 
takes up the work and provides for its continuation on 
down into the smaller company units of 150 boys and 
girls. 

Both the assistant regional director for Alabama and 
Mississippi and the State representative for Alabama en- 
tered upon their work in this State in October, 1918. They 
have, i ] spite of the epidemic, held the necessary prelimi- 
nary conferences with some of the co-operating agencies, 
and both directly and indirectly have gone into the field 
to organize the cities, towns and villages. They are con- 
ducting a campaign through such teachers' institutes as 
they find it possible to reach. They here prepare the 



ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 80 

teachers of the State for their part in the work. They 
are meeting the superintendents of schools for the cities, 
towns and villages, seeking to get the work specifically 
planned, and the necessary detail of organization and 
financing worked out. 

The supervision and teaching in the cities, towns and 
villages will be done by those appointed by the local au- 
thorities, usually the school board and co-operating 
agencies. It is the business of the assistant regional di- 
rector and the State representative to seek the appoint- 
ment of a suitable teacher and supervisor, and to urge 
such appropriation from available educational and wel- 
fare funds as is necessary to maintain the work in the 
communities where it is inaugurated. This appropriation 
usually means the supplementary salary of the teacher 
for the months that school is in session, and the salary of 
this teacher during the vacation months. The plan of 
organization calls for a teacher for each company of 150 
boys and girls. A sum of $250 per teacher will carry on 
the work of a company of 150 during the entire year, giv- 
ing several hours a day to the work during the vacation 
months. 

The work of the assistant regional director and the 
State representative may remain along lines of organiza- 
tion for some months. By February of 1919 several of the 
cities, towns and villages will have perfected their plans, 
appointed their workers, and the 1919 campaign will be 
inaugurated in this State in a most intensive way. The 
work then changes somewhat. One or both of these w^ork- 
ers, while continuing the work of opening new communi- 
ties, will go back over the territory where organization 
has been perfected, to assist in initiating the work of the 
local teachers, and in giving such personal aid and touch 
as is necessary to carry forward the work effectively 
entirely through the year. The work grows quite varied 
and intense from February on. 



90 ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 

Alabama should have one hundred cities, towns and vil- 
lages fully organized by June 1, 1919. Much will depend 
on the effectiveness with which co-operating organizations 
can be utilized. Quite as much depends upon the intelli- 
gent presentation by the workers already named both 
directly and through teachers, whether garden teachers 
or supervisors or not. The State Department of Educa- 
tion is lending every facility for the furtherance of the 
work. The headquarters for the assistant regional direc- 
tor for this State is in the offices of the State Superin- 
tendent of Education. The State Council of Defense is 
lending both the facilities of its offices and the financial 
support necessary to enable the State representative to 
carry on the work entrusted to him. The headquarters 
for the State representative of the United States School 
Garden Army is in the offices of the State Council of 
Defense. 

With the State Department of Education there can be 
direct touch with county and city school authorities. With 
the State Council of Defense there can be direct touch 
with county and community councils of defense. Either 
of the organizations will be exceedingly effective in any 
community in the State. Local county and city organiza- 
tions may make request through either the State Depart- 
ment of Education or the State Council of Defense for 
information and aid in initiating and carrying forward 
the work in their respective communities. Either the 
assistant regional director or the State representative or 
a co-operating agent will come in person to assist in such 
ways as seem best. 



ALABAMA FOUR-MINUTE MEN 



By T. J. Cbittenden, State Director. 

The Alabama Four-Minute Men were organized in the 
fall of 1917. In April, 1918, Thos. J. Crittenden was 
appointed State Director and H. D. Cullen State Secre- 
tary and their effectiveness dates from this time. 

The executive personnel of the Alabama Four-Minute 
Men now comprises : 

Thos. J. Crittenden State Director 

H. D. Cullen State Secretary 

Mrs. Oscar R. Hundley State Director of Women's Division 

Val J. Nesbit Associate Director of Four-Minute Men 

and State Cliairman Red Cross Speakers' Bureau 

A. Manville Waples State Secretary Red Cross Speakers' Bureau 

Frank StoHenwerck Associate Director Four-Minute Men 

J. Kirkman Jackson Treasurer 

Judge Hugh A. Locke Chairman Men Speakers 

Mrs. Tom McCarthy Brown Chairman of Women Speakers 

H. W. Coffin Chairman Executive Committee 

Louis Pizitz Chairman Finance Committee 

Dr. J. H. Phillips ...Chairman Junior Four-Minute Men 

Mrs. A^ictor Hauson....State Director Choral Division Four-Minute Men 
Mrs. George Houston Davis....County Director Choral Div. 4-M-iu. Men 

Mrs. E. T. Rice City Director Choral Division Four-Minute Men 

Oscar W. Adams.. Chairman Colored Division Four-Minute Men 

Mrs. A. W. Harney... .Chairman Woman's Div. Colored Four-Min. Men 

The Four-Minute Men with their county, city, local and 
school district chairmen, cover practically every city, 
town, village and cross roads in Alabama. The total speak- 
ing force in the Men's Division comprises nearly thirty- 
five hundred speakers. 

The Woman's Division of the Four-Minute Men has 95 
chairmen and 900 speakers, and to this number may be 
added at least a hundred women speakers, who were mem- 



92 ALABAMA COFNCIL OF DEFENSE 

bers of the various Red Cross chapters but not members 
of the Four-Minute Woman's Division. 

The Colored Division of the Four-Minute Men has 120 
speakers. 

The Colored Womans' Division of the Four-Minute Men 
has 50 speakers. 

The Junior Four-Minute Men have about two thousand 
certified speakers and this number will be brought up to 
at least five thousand or more by the induction of Junior 
Red Cross members from each school district. 

I present with most profound gratification a resume of 
our activities during each campaign. These activities are 
compiled from our records and are correct so far as they 
could be compiled from reports sent us. 

Only our major activities will be recited. 

In the seven major campaigns, not including the War 
Work campaign, we reached total audiences as follows : 

In the Second Liberty Loan Drive 48,775 

In the Third Liberty Loan Drive 348,415 

In the Second Red Cross Campaign 228,335 

In the W. S. S. Drive 269,266 

In the Registry Campaign 278,416 

In "Where Did You Get Your Facts" 577,973 

In the Fourth Liberty Loan Drive 830,527 

Total 2,581,687 

In connection with the last drive, I might mention that 
as soon as the "flu" struck us a letter was gotten out to all 
Four-Minute Men, asking them to act as salesmen, which 
they gladly did and nearly every report has come in show- 
ing that the Four-Minute Men sold bonds in connection 
with their speaking activities. The last report is not yet 
complete as some of the local chairmen have not sent in 
their reports. 



ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 93 

The Choral Division of the Four-Minute Men has sev- 
enty-two singing members and they rendered a most 
unique service in arousing patriotism to the highest pitch 
wherever they have sung. Our records show that they 
have reached a total audience of twenty thousand in their 
short existence. 

These figures are alone enough to cover the Four-Min- 
ute Men with glory, but in all the campaigns in which we 
have participated, big and little, we have reached a total 
audience of four million ninety-five thousand nine hun- 
dred and eighty-nine, and it is to be remembered that our 
activities as an organization really cover a period of only 
about eight months. 

With these figures before us — with the tangible proof 
of the almost amazing work of the Alabama Four-Minute 
Men — with the thought in mind of the countless personal 
sacrifices that this work must have meant to most of us — 
how can I hope to put into words my gratitude for the 
loyalty — ^the high endeavor and the wonderful achieve- 
ment of our organization ? 

To me, and I feel that to everyone of my colleagues, the 
proudest and the most altogether satisfying memory 
which we will take with us henceforth, of the great war, 
which our country has so gloriously helped to win, will be 
the memory of the fact that we were privileged to be 
members of the Alabama Four-Minute Men. 



LIBERTY LOAN CAMPAIGNS.* 



Incomplete returns at this time show that citizens of 
Alabama subscribed a total of $78,038,350 to the govern- 
ment in Liberty Loan bonds during the four drives made 
in 1917 and 1918. Final reports have not been received, 
hence final tabulations have not been made. The final 
compilations probably will show a good increase over the 
amounts given. 

Representatives of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlan- 
ta are now collecting complete data, but it will be impos- 
sible to finish the work for several weeks as considerable 
information must be secured from banks throughout the 
district. 

In the following table will be found the allotments and 
subscriptions of Alabama for the four loans : 

Loan Quota Subscription Dates 

First Loan No quota $ 6,616,400 May 2 to June 15, 1937 

Second Loan No quota 13,847,150 Oct. 1 to Oct. 27, 1917 

Third Loan $13,091,.500 21,428,950 Apr. 6 to May 4, 1918 

Fourth Loan 30.200,000 30,145,850 Sept. 28 to Oct. 19, 1938 

No effort has been made to show the total number of 
subscriptions as information has never been accurately 
collected on this item. There were no State allotments in 
the first and second loans but the district in each loan 
subscribed more than was expected. 

The amount of subscriptions for the fourth loan does 
not represent the full amount that will be finally credited 
to Alabama. There are a number of foreign corporation 
subscriptions that must yet be properly allocated, of 
which Alabama will receive its share. 

The total value of property given in for taxation in 
Alabama is $705,030,567, showing that more than one- 
ninth of the total value of property assessed for taxation 
was subscribed in Liberty Bonds during the time America 
was at war. 

♦Compiled from report of W. C. Wardlaw to Governor Heuderhon. 



AMERICAN RED CROSS 



Ry Ler.ii Cakkoij., Manager Gulf Division. 

It is impossible at this time to give an extended or de- 
tailed statement of Red Cross work in Alabama. With 
the entry of our country into the war, there came imme- 
diately a demand from all parts of the State to be allowed 
to organize chapters and take part in Red Cross work. 
All these requests were -transmitted to Washington 
through one agency or another. 

At that time the society was operating under its peace 
time organization as it had existed up to our entry into 
the war, and all business was handled from National 
Headquarters at Washington. The country was loosely 
divided into geographical divisions, few in number and 
large in size, and the several activities of the Red Cross 
were separately handled in these divisions. 

The organization and development work for this divi- 
sion was under W. J. Leppert, as Director, with Head- 
quarters in New Orleans. The work of organizing Chap- 
ters in Alabama was carried on by Mr. Leppert during 
the summer of 1917. Meanwhile, National Headquarters 
had completed its plan for territorial re-organization and 
decentralization of its work. Under this plan, the Gulf 
Division was formed, comprising the states of Alabama, 
Louisiana and Mississippi, and Leigh Carroll was ap- 
pointed Division Manager, with Division Headquarters in 
New Orleans. The Division offices were organized along 
the lines of National Headquarters, with similar Depart- 
ments or Bureaus, and took over all Red Cross work in 
the Division. Mr. Leppert remained in charge of the 
Bureau of Chapter Development and Organization. 



96 ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 

The work of organization was pushed vigorously, with 
•the result that before the end of 1917 every county in 
Alabama had one or more Red Cross Chapters, and nearly 
every community had either a branch or an auxiliary of 
some Chapter. At present there are 86 Red Cross Chap- 
ters and 178 branches in Alabama. It is the aim of Na- 
tional Heaquarters, however, to have only one Chapter in 
each county, and have all Red Cross activities under the 
jurisdiction of that Chapter. This consolidation of Chap- 
ters is now in progress, and before long will be com- 
pleted. 

In the matter of individual membership in the Red 
Cross, Alabama has responded to the call along with her 
sister states of the South, and there are today 136,749 Red 
Cross members in Alabama. The Christmas Roll Call 
was the occasion of re-enrollments and new enrollments 
for 1919, and we expect Alabama's reports to show at 
least a million members. 

In the matter of money contributions to National 
Headquarters, Alabama subscribed: 

Quota Subscribed 

In the First War Drive, June, 1917 $200,000 $ 488,000 

In the Second War Drive, May, 1918... 450,000 1,400,000 

This does not include subscriptions to individual Chap- 
ter finances, the amounts of which are not availablg at 
this time, as the figures have not been compiled. 

In connection with these War Fund Subscriptions, espe- 
cially the Second War Drive, it is gratifying to note the 
splendid way in which the workers of Alabama responded, 
especially the coal miners, ship yard men, lumber men and 
others in similar lines of industry, in contributing so 
many days of their pay to the Red Cross. It was largely 
due to these subscriptions that the total ran so high. 



ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 9T 

In the matter of finished articles and supplies for sol- 
diers and sailors, such as sweaters, socks, hospital sup- 
plies and garments, surgical dressings and the like, the 
Alabama Chapters have always responded to every call 
made upon them by Headquarters, and the women have 
been only too anxious to do their part fully and carefully 
and in accord with requirements. The money value of 
these supplies has not yet been compiled and tabulated, 
but it will run into hundreds of thousands of dollars. 
Their remedial value has been incalculable. 

I would like to add that the people of Alabama have 
always given their hearty support to the Red Cross in 
whatever the National or Division managements have 
called upon them, and the State as a whole can well be 
proud of the work of its people — of all its people without 
regard to race, color, creed, or sect, for they have all given 
their hearty support to the Red Cross. 



4 ACD 



UNITED STATES EMPLOYMENT SERVICE 



]'.y Damon Swa^'x. Assistant Federal ] lircctor. 

The first local office of the United States Employment 
Service in the State of Alabama was established at Bir- 
mingham during the month of April, 1918, by Mr. J. C. 
Hise, Special Representative of the United States Em- 
ployment Service, who later established local offices at 
Montgomery, Mobile, Anniston, Selma and Dothan. 

Since the appointment of Mr. George B. Tarrant, of 
Birmingham, as Federal Director on May 1, 1918, local 
offices have been established at Gadsden, Jasper, Deca- 
tur, Bessemer, Troy, Andalusia, Opelika and Tuscaloosa, 
and the number of employes has been increased from six 
to forty-five. 

LOYALTY LEAGUES. 

In order to assist the officials of the United States Em- 
ployment Service in mobilizing the man-power of this 
State; to assist in handling the numerous and intricate 
labor problems, and to bring about a closer spirit of co- 
operation between the employer and the employe, there 
was perfected in fifty-four of the sixty-seven counties in 
this State, an organization known as a ''Loyalty League," 
whose objects, in addition to those stated above, were to 
secure full time from all employes in order that the pro- 
duction of necessary war essentials might be kept at the 
maximum. This body was controlled by an Executive 
Committee of twenty-four persons, six of whom were em- 
ployers, six employes, six farmers and six colored men. 
Through this organization, an increase in the production 
of supplies and foodstuffs was noted, especially in the 
manufacture of munitions and lumber and in the produc- 
tion of coal and pig iron. 



ALABAMA ("OTXCIL f)F DEFENSE 99 

DEMAND AND SUPPLY OF LABOR. 

Due to the numerous manufacturing plants in the State 
and Birmingham, being the largest industrial center in the 
South, it was found impossible to secure sufficient labor 
to supply all industries to their capacity, and it became 
necessary to provide some medium by which all indus- 
tries would be furnished their pro r.ata share of available 
labor. For this purpose, a Community Labor Board was 
established in each county in this State, whose member- 
ship was composed of one representative of employers, 
one of employes and the third representing the United 
States Employment Service. 

Realizing that sufficient labor was not available for the 
operation of all essential plants to their capacity, the Com- 
munity Labor Boards in their respective counties advised 
employers engaged in non-essential industries that it 
would be necessary to release laborers employed by them 
in order that they might be used in the manufacture of 
war essentials. With but few exceptions, this was done 
immediately by all employers. 

On account of the stupendous task undertaken by the 
\arious Departments of the Government, especially the 
War and Navy Departments, in the construction of camps 
and cantonments and houses for shipyard workers, and 
being unable to secure a sufficient supply of labor in the 
United States, the War Department imported thousands 
of Porto Ricans for construction work. Numbers of these 
workmen were secured for this State and were placed in 
industrial plants in and near Birmingham and in the 
Mobile shipyards. 

The construction of the Government Nitrate Plant at 
Muscle Shoals, Alabama, required the services of thou- 
sands of laborers, and permission was given to recruit 
labor for this plant in the States of Mississippi, Georgia, 
Florida, Louisiana, Missouri, Kansas, Tennessee, Texas, 



100 ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 

Utah and Kentucky. Through the efforts and co-opera- 
tion of the representatives of the U. S. Employment 
Service, sufficient labor was secured to complete this plant 
sixty days ahead of schedule time. 

Due to the enormous wages being paid for construction 
work and by manufacturing plants, the farmers of Ala- 
bama were drawn upon heavily and, in order to protect 
them as much as possible, instructions were issued to all 
recruiting agents not to molest farm labor. Like instruc- 
tions were given as to recruiting labor from lumber indus- 
tries where Government contracts were being filled. The 
farmers of this State were unable to compete with the 
high wages being paid, and a serious shortage of food- 
stuffs would have occurred had it not been for the pluck 
and courage of our farmers in putting forth their best 
efforts to assist our Government. 

PLACEMENT OF WORKERS. 

Efforts were made to place all workmen possible in the 
State of Alabama, but in those cases where persons de- 
sired to go to points without the State for work this move- 
ment was allowed. Numbers of workmen were directed 
to the Great Northwest for work in the spruce pine sec- 
tion and to the wheat fields of Missouri, Kansas and the 
Dakotas. Numbers of workmen were also directed to the 
Hog Island shipyard, and to South Atlantic and Gulf 
Coast shipyards. 

Numbers of persons were placed upon the farms 
throughout this State by representatives of the U. S. Em- 
ployment Service, and it is proposed to enlarge this divi- 
sion within the near future so that labor needs of Alabama 
farmers may be handled promptly. 

Some of the larger industrial plants in the Birmingham 
district, being unable to secure sufficient men to handle 
urgent work, placed numbers of negro women in the 
plants, handling the lighter work. 



ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 101 

At the present time the United States Employment 
Service is placing in employment in this State from twelve 
to fifteen thousand persons monthly, as compared with 
four to five hundred monthly during the months of May 
and June of this year. 

A report of the work of this Service would be incom- 
plete without mention of the valuable assistance and co- 
operation of all Chambers of Commerce, all civic organiza- 
tion and the various war organizations. Especial mention 
must be made of the work of the State Council of Defense, 
through Mr. Lloyd M. Hooper and Mr. Fred H. Gormley, 
State Chairman and Executive Secretary, respectively, for 
their untiring efforts to assist in every manner possible 
the work of the Service. 

The officers of the Service in the State of Alabama at 
the present time are : 

George B. Tarrant, Federal Director, Birmingham. 

Dalton Swann, Assistant Federal Director, Birming- 
ham. 

Lewis Bowen, Assistant Federal Director, Birming- 
ham. 

J. E. Watts, Examiner in Charge, Birmingham. 

W. W. Lancaster, Examiner in Charge, Montgomery. 

James J. Duggan, Examiner in Charge, Mobile. 

Morgan Richards, Examiner in Charge, Selma. 

L. L. Scarbrough, Examiner in Charge, Anniston. 

W. G. Bellinger, Examiner in Charge, Gadsden. 

C. J. Rollins, Examiner in Charge, Dothan. 

W. H. Albritton, Examiner in Charge, Andalusia. 

D. M. Hester, Examiner in Charge, Jasper. 
Eugene D. Bailey, Examiner in Charge, Decatur. 
Rush Randall, Examiner in Charge, Bessemer. 
Henry K. Dickinson, Examiner in Charge, Opelika. 
Pelham D. Brown, Examiner in Charge, Tuscaloosa. 
James L. Gilmore, Examiner in Charge, Troy. 



ALABAMA EXTENSION SERVICE 



By J. F. DrdttAH. Dii't'Ctor. 

The Extension Service, having headquarters at Auburn, 
is the official representative of the U. S. Department of 
Agriculture in Alabama in all matters pertaining to the 
giving of instructions on agricultural production and 
home economics, as well as being the division of the Ala- 
bama Polytechnic Institute charged with duties in these 
two important fields. The Extension Service was created 
by an act of Congress, approved in May, 1914, called the 
Smith-Lever Act, which provides for co-operation in the 
giving of instruction in agriculture and home economics 
to farmers and their families. The act provides for the 
partial support from Federal funds of extension work on 
condition that a practically equal amount be provided 
within the State. 

SPECIAL WAR ACTIVITIES. 

The participation of the Extension Service in special 
war work has been chiefly through its large staff of farm 
demonstration agents and home demonstration agents 
located in the various counties of the State. The farm 
demonstration agents, as members of the County Councils 
of Defense, have participated in all the activities of these 
bodies, and in many cases have been charged with county 
leadership in some special line of war work, as in cam- 
paigns for Liberty Loans, Red Cross, etc, 

INCREASED PRODUCTION OF MEAT. 

Their greatest contribution to the winning of the war 
has been in their promotion of increased food production 



Ar>ABAMA ('f)rN('IL.OF DEFENSE l03 

They share with the farmers of Alabama in the credit for 
the fact in the year just past Alabama has led every state 
in the Union in the production of peanuts, velvet beans, 
and sweet potatoes, with an aggregate value of many mil- 
lions, and with an increase of several hundred per cent in 
each of these crops as compared with its production two 
years before. 

As a concrete example of one of the contributions of 
Alabama farmers to the feeding of the American and 
allied armies and the civil populations of the allied coun- 
tries, may be mentioned the fact that a group of seventeen 
counties in the southeastern part of Alabama shipped, 
during a period of twelve months, a total of 2,352 car 
loads of hogs. A considerable proportion of these were 
shipped by hog selling associations organized by the 
county farm demonstration agents and the marketing 
specialists of the Extension Service. In the growing of a 
large proportion of these hogs, the demonstration agents 
were helpful by their advice regarding the growing of 
crops to be consumed by hogs, the feeding, breeding, and 
management of these animals, and by their notable activ- 
ity in protecting swine against hog cholera by preventive 
inoculation. 

USUAL WORK OF FARM DEMONSTRATION AGENTS. 

Farm demonstration agents, in addition to special war 
activities, have continued their usual duties in connection 
with the larger production and more advantageous selling 
of every kind of farm product. These activities have 
included the giving of advice to farmers regarding the 
cultivation, rotation, fertilization, and harvesting of 
staple and new crops, the selection and purchase of dairy 
cows, beef cattle, etc. The agents have been instrumental 
in bringing into Alabama this year from the drought- 
stricken parts of Texas about 8,000 head of beef cattle. 



104 ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 

The agents have assisted large numbers of farmers in 
terracing their land to prevent its impoverishment by 
erosion, in planning and building of many silos, barns, 
self-feeders for animals, sweet potato storage houses, and 
other structures, all bearing on increased production and 
more effective conservation of foods. 

INCREASED ACREAGE AND PRODUCTION OF WHEAT. 

In response to a request from the National Government 
for an increase in the acreage of wheat, the Extension 
Service conducted in the fall of 1918 a campaign in most 
of the wheat-producing counties of the State for this pur- 
pose. The farmers of Alabama responded by increasing 
the wheat yield from 930,000 bushels in 1917 to 1,366,000 
bushels in 1918. Likewise the farm demonstration agents 
have been active in the fall of 1918 in urging Alabama 
farmers to make a still further effort for a conservative 
increase in the sowing of wheat, against which, however, 
influenza and a wet fall have militated. 

INCREASED AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION IN LAST TWO YEARS. 

Let us note how magnificently Alabama farmers have 
responded to the Government's call for a larger production 
of food for man and feed for animals. Below is shown 
the amounts of the principal food crops produced in 1918, 
and for comparison in 1916 : 



1918 

Corn Bushels 67,461,000 

Peanuts Bushels 17,470,000 

Sweet potatoes Bushels 14,758,000 

Irish potatoes Bushels 4,793,000 

Syrup Gallons 17,714,000 

Cowpeas Bushels 3,156,000 





P.C. 


1916 


Inc. 


46,688,000 


40 


4,050,000 


331 


6,290,000 


117 


1,800,000 


166 







ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 105 

Excluding livestock, the crops produced in Alabama in 
1918 have been officially estimated by the U. S. Depart- 
ment of Agriculture at a value of more than $379,000, OCO, 
as compared with a valuation of all crops in Alabama in 
1916 of $146,997,0C0. This is an increase in value of more 
than $232,003,000, or 257 per cent. 

Alabama farmers are jiistified in comparing their rec- 
ord even with the creditable record made by farmers of 
other states. For in 1918 Alabama produced more 
sweet potatoes, m.ore peanuts, and many more velvet beans 
than any other state in the Union, and has increased its 
shipment of hogs by a larger percentage than any other 
state. Somewhat similar increases have been made in 
the amount and value of dairy products, and the produc- 
tion of beef is rapidly increasing year by year. 

WORK OF THE HOME DEMONSTATION AGENTS. 

Just as the Government relied upon the farm demon- 
stration agents to urge farmers to increased production, 
so it depended largely on the home demonstration agents 
of the Extension Service for carrying the message of food 
conservation and the use of food substitutes to the homes 
of the people. The head of the home demonstration work 
of the Extension Service, Miss Mary Feminear, was made 
the State representative of the Food Administration in the 
conservation of food in the homes, and the home demon- 
stration agents were relied on largely for the distribution 
of literature on food conservation prepared by the Food 
Administration as well as by the U. S. Department of 
Agriculture and other agencies. 

GARDENS IN CITIES AND COUNTRY. 

The home demonstration agents were especially active, 
in connection with specialists of the Extension Service 
and county farm demonstration agents, in increasing the 

6ACD 



106 ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 

number of gardens in towns as well as in the country 
They gave demonstrations in the most advantageous or 
economical methods of preparing food and in the use of 
substitutes not only in tens of thousands of homes but in 
schools, court houses, stores and out of doors. Especially 
effective as fitting into the national war program were 
the efforts of these women in teaching and popularizing 
the use of substitutes for wheat and meat. 

The director of the Extension Service has been a mem- 
ber of the State Council of Defense from its inception It 
has been his aim so to direct, during this war period, the 
policies of the Extension Service that every specialist, 
traveling from headquarters at Auburn, every county 
farm demonstration agent, and every home demonstration 
agent might all work together in forwarding every meas- 
ure of the Government's program connected with the win- 
ning of the war. 

AGRICULTURAL PREPAREDNESS. 

President Wilson has congratulated the Nation that in 
one department of the Government our country was pre- 
pared for war by having an organized system of agricul- 
tural agents working in the counties of every state in the 
Union. This army of peace, production and conserva- 
tion, the staff of farm and home demonstration agents 
and agricultural specialists, which, taken together, make 
up the Extension Service in every state, was the one army 
that was already organized on a somewhat adequate scale 
when war found the Nation so largely unprepared. 

During the war extension agents and specialists have 
been considerably increased under special appropriation 
made by Congress for the period of the national emer- 
gency, but no time had to be lost in organizing them to 
lead m the work with farmers and housewives, on whom 



ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE t07 

depended the feeding of millions of armed men and desti- 
tute civilians. 

This national army of trained leaders in production and 
conservation has rendered most effective service to the 
farmers and housewives of the land, in their remarkable 
exertions and sacrifices which enabled the United States 
to export food during the war period in quantities hereto- 
fore deemed impossible and to hold out a promise of food 
for the destitute European populations in years immedi- 
ately following the war, thus serving to obviate both 
starvation and anarchy. 



AMERICANIZATION WORK 



Many States faced a great problem at the beginning of 
the war. It was found that thousands of foreigners had 
lived among the American people but had not become 
Americans because they did not speak the English lan- 
guage and had no means of acquiring the ideals of Ameri- 
cans. It was no secret that after the war began that 
great responsibility for the many German spies rested 
upon the people because efforts were not made to Ameri- 
canize foreigners and subjects of other nations who had 
lived among the people here without learning to speak 
our language were able to make their plans and carry 
out their purposes with little hindrance. 

Fortunately, Alabama had few foreign-born The 
greatest number were located in the Birmingham district. 
There a systematic effort had been made even before the 
war to Americanize foreigners. Mr. E. E. Smith, who 
has been connected with the Birmingham school system 
tor several years, has given the following report of Ameri- 
canization work in the Birmingham district- 

"Since 1908, the city of Birmingham has maintained a 
night school. I have been principal of this school over a 
period of years, from 1908 to 1916. During that time I 
have taught the classes of foreign born, and have come 
to know their needs, and to know the ways of getting a 
sympathetic touch. 

"In 1915, I very earnestly recommended to our local 
city authorities that workers be found to go into the 
smaller community units, the 'pocket' of foreign born 
and ma room of their house, or elsewhere establish a 
class of from five to fifteen, teaching them first of all to 
read, write and speak English. Our city is too scattered 



ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 



105) 



to bring them together. Besides they hesitate many 
times to go for they do not know anyone at the school. It 
was the fact that I knew them away from school, and 
invited them to school, that enabled me to get classes 
when I taught them. I made this report also to the 
Bureau of Naturalization direct. . 

"My work since 1915 has been to establish such classes 
as I could teach personally, pending such time as it re- 
quired for the authorities to come to this way of thinking, 
after failing to reach their foreign born. This is now 
done. Some six or eight have been designated by the city 
board of education, through the night school, to go into 
communities, establish such classes as I have been teach- 
ing, for which the city board pays the teacher (such com- 
.pensation as I have had came from the foreign born). 
These centers are now being organized. 

"Since 1915 I have met regularly the agents of the 
Bureau of Naturalization, and have gone with them to 
the several authorities and industries in this city. They 
have worked earnestly to get some action, such as we are 
now getting from the properly constituted authorities. A 
year or more ago the county established what are known 
as 'opportunity schools,' at which these foreign born, in 
some instances, attended. Their action is commendable. 
It follows our original plan of action, except that they 
have the smaller unit to begin with. 

"Agents of the Bureau of Naturalization visit Birming- 
ham frequently, projecting the plans, and giving particu- 
lar attention to the work among these foreign born. You 
understand that we continue classes for these people at 
the school held at the school building. The new work of 
going to the homes in very small units is the new and 
effective feature being installed. 

"The Birmingham district has the largest foreign popu- 
lation of any inland Southern city. 



110 



ALABAMA COUNCIL OP DEFENSE 



"There has been a smaller percentage of fhese seeking 
Amenean citizenship than is usual in communities of this 
size, with this percentage of foreign born 

sidef Tbff '' ■^^'=h-"»'"^- It is changing on both 
sides. The foreign born are more anxious. The authori- 
ties are more anxious and are making more effort " 

Report of this work is given in extenso because the 
Alabama Council of Defense believes the federal and State 
governments should never again neglect the foreign born 
population. Means should be provided whereby th^se who 

ZTJiy '"""*'■'' *" "^^ ""^ '^''™ '''' English Ian. 
guage and may acquire the ideals which have so long 
maintained the integrity and proud position of the Uni 
ted states of America. 

Provision should be made whereby the teaching of the 
foreign born in night schools and day schools will be a 
responsibility of the system of public education. This is 
a duty America owes to itself and to those who renounce 
home ties and move among the American people. 



FIRST UNITED WAR WORK CAMPAIGN 



By W. S. Stallings, State Campaign Director. 

The United War Work Campaign in Alabama was per- 
haps the most successful of the many conducted in the 
State during the period of the war. It is certain that no 
campaign had as many handicaps, but our people readily 
adjusted themselves to new conditions and put the State 
over in great shape. 

There was a decided opposition to the merger of the 
seven welfare agencies on the part of thousands of our 
best people and it took several weeks to overcome this 
opposition. Three weeks before the campaign opened, 
the epidemic of influenza spread throughout the State 
and made it impossible to hold public gatherings and this 
necessitated the cancellation of our speaking engagements 
which deprived us of the opportunity of telling the people 
about the work of these agencies, as well as the need of 
adequate financial support. The State Health Depart- 
ment lifted the quarantine only one week before the cam- 
paign and the day the campaign opened Germany agreed 
to the armistice for peace and this was taken, by a great 
many of our people, to mean that there was no further 
necessity for these welfare agencies. This hurt us 
worse than any one thing during the campaign; however, 
Alabama's record is one of the best in the nation and we 
stand at the head of the Southeastern Department of 
seven states with the largest percentage of oversubscrip- 
tion. Our total will exceed $1,390,000, which gives us a 
fraction over 180 per cent. Alabama's quota was $767,- 

250. 

The schools and colleges have given liberally to this 
fund and our citizens in general have subscribed with not 



132 



ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 



only liberality but with a generosity which is character- 
istic of the good people of Alabama. 

The State Council of Defense, under the leadership of 
Mr. Lloyd M. Hooper, chairman, threw their complete 
organization into this campaign and proved a large factor 
in its success. 

The Sunday School Association co-operated heartily, as 
well as many other organizations and the campaign was 
not only a united one in the sense of combining the seven 
welfare agencies, but in having the co-operation of all the 
movements of the State looking to the betterment of the 
soldiers. 



LIBERTY CHORUSES AND COMMUNITY SINGS 



By C. Guy Smith, State Director. 

In making my report as to what has been accomplished 
in Alabama in regard to organizing Community Sings and 
Liberty Choruses, I wish to say that as the State Director 
and Vice State Director were not appointed until late in 
September, the time has been too short for a thorough 
organization of the State. The influenza situation retard- 
ed the work badly and just as we were getting under good 
headway the armistice was signed and people lost interest 
in the project as a war measure. 

The course of procedure in reference to. organizing 
was as follows: I wrote each chairman of the county 
council of defense, asking him to name the man or woman 
in his county best fitted for the office of county director 
of Liberty Choruses. As rapidly as the chairmen acted 
upon this request, I appointed the directors and sent them 
full instructions about how to organize and offered to 
come to them personally should I be needed. 

An attractive number of songs were selected, the words 
of which the Alabama Council of Defense had printed and 
these were sent in sufficient quantity to all the county 
directors gratuitously. This was called the official song 
sheet to be used for the Liberty Choruses of Alabama and 
has been highly complimented by Mr. Frederick L. Allen, 
of the Field Division, Council of National Defense, Wash- 
ington. 

As to the actual number of choruses organized, we can 
report thirty-five at this time. Recently I have had a 
very interesting letter from Mrs. Norma W. Frost, State 
Chairman of Music of the Alabama Federation of Wom- 
en's Clubs, offering the services of the twenty-six music 



lU 



ALABAMA COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 



clubs of Alabama for use as a nucleus in their several 
localities for Liberty Choruses. This offer has been high- 
ly appreciated by my department and I feel that instead 
of reporting thirty-five Liberty Choruses I can add the 
twenty-six clubs, making a total of fifty-one Liberty 
Choruses in Alabama. 

I wish to acknowledge the valuable assistance of the 
Vice State Director of Liberty Choruses, Mrs. Victor Han- 
son, of Birmingham, who has helped in every way pos- 
sible and who has been a most enthusiastic factor in this 
important work. 



PUBLIC SERVICE RESERVE^ 



Soon after America entered the war Ray Rushton, of 
Montgomery, an original member of the executive com- 
mittee of the State Council of Defense, was appointed 
State Director of the United States Public Service Re- 
serve. This organization put on a State campaign for 
workers for the ship yards at Mobile and other points at 
a time when the nation was calling for thousands of 
these workers in order that a bridge of ships might be 
built between America and the fighting front. 

Mr. Rushton and his organization enlisted several hun- 
dred men for this work. When the United States Em- 
ployment Service was created the United States Public 
Service Reserve joined with it and the two organizations 
co-operated in making surveys of labor and needs of the 

State. 

Although the Public Service Reserve was not at all 
times in the public eye it rendered a great service for the 
State and Nation at a time when this peculiar service 
meant the saving of countless lives and money to the 
United States. 



♦Report obtained from records on file. 



U. S. FUEL ADMINISTRATION FOR ALABAMA 



By John B. Lagakde, Executive Secretary. 

Frequent reports of the United States Fuel Administra- 
tion for Alabama are rendered to Washington and there 
is no general report which can be made of interest to 
Alabama. However, it may be stated that the Fuel Ad- 
ministration has been able to maintain an equitable dis- 
tribution of coal throughout the State, both for commer- 
cial and domestic purposes, thereby maintaining a maxi- 
mum output of essential, industrial activities and mini- 
mizing the possibility of suffering for want of domestic 
fuel. 



INDEX 



Page 

Americanization Work 108 

American Red Cross 95 

Council of Defense _ 7 

Council of Defense Organization 40 

Extension Service _ .'...102 

Financial Report 38 

Food Administration _ 72 

Food Administration Organization 75 

Formal Transmission of Report _ 3 

Four Minute Men _ 91 

Fuel Administration _ 116 

Influenza in Alabama _ 48 

Liberty Choruses and Community Sings 113 

Liberty Loan Campaigns 94 

Medical Section _ 44 

Physicians Fighting Influenza _ 49 

Proclamation Creating Council 5 

Public Service Reserve 115 

State War Historian 65 

United States Employment Service 98 

United States School Garden Army 87 

United War Work Campaign Ill 

War Savings Committee 81 

War Savings Committee Organization 84 

Woman's Committee 51 



gRARY OF CONGRESS 

020 933 436 7 



